Kulis Air National Guard

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Branch

U.S. Air Force

Members

About Kulis Air National Guard

The Kulis Air National Guard Base, located in Anchorage, Alaska, was established during World War II to provide critical air defense for the region. It became the home of the 176th Wing (originally the 176th Tactical Airlift Group) of the Alaska Air National Guard, which was activated in 1969. The unit played a vital role in both state and federal missions, including airlift support, search and rescue operations, and disaster response throughout Alaska and beyond. In 2011, operations from Kulis were relocated to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, marking the end of an era for the historic base.

Unit Members

Sean Faro

U.S. Air Force

Kulis Air National GuardView Profile

Photos

U.S. Air Force • 1976

stationed at johnson air force base in japan

U.S. Air Force • 1949

About Kulis Air National Guard

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• 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.