Kulis Air National Guard

• Origins: Kulis Air National Guard Base was established in 1955 near Anchorage, Alaska, serving as home to units of the Alaska Air National Guard. • Namesake: The base was named in honor of Master Sergeant Frank J. Kulis, an Alaska Air National Guardsman who died in a crash in 1954. • Strategic Location: Due to its proximity to the Soviet Union, Kulis played a key role during the Cold War, hosting units responsible for air defense of North America’s northwest approaches. • Rescue Missions: The 210th and 211th Rescue Squadrons were based at Kulis, renowned for their lifesaving search and rescue operations across Alaska’s challenging terrain. • Aircraft Legacy: Over the decades, Kulis-based units operated a variety of aircraft, including the C-130 Hercules, HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters, and HC-130 tanker aircraft. • Disaster Relief: Kulis personnel responded to numerous natural disasters, including the 1964 Alaska earthquake and the Exxon Valdez oil spill, providing critical support and logistics. • Post-9/11 Deployments: After September 11, 2001, Kulis-based units were mobilized for homeland defense and overseas contingency operations in the Global War on Terror. • Environmental Stewardship: The base participated in extensive environmental cleanup and restoration projects to mitigate the impact of military activities on local ecosystems. • Base Closure: In 2011, as part of a nationwide Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process, Kulis Air National Guard Base was closed and its units relocated to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. • Legacy Continues: Although the base is closed, the legacy of Kulis lives on through the Alaska Air National Guard’s ongoing missions and the community service of its veterans.