Grey Wolf crew makes first hoist rescue in Beartooth Mountains
When a hiker fell ill nine miles deep in the Beartooth Mountains on July 30, ground teams faced an all-night trek over rough terrain to reach her. So the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center called the 40th Helicopter Squadron. Within the hour, an MH-139A Grey Wolf — call sign Air Force Rescue 11 — lifted off from Malmstrom into wildfire smoke and fading light. More than four hours of night flying, in tough conditions, well above their usual training altitude — and the first successful rescue using the Grey Wolf's hoist. The crew credited the win to teamwork with the Carbon County Sheriff's Office and partner agencies across the region.
When a hiker fell ill nine miles deep in the Beartooth Mountains on July 30, ground teams faced an all-night trek over rough terrain to reach her. So the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center called the 40th Helicopter Squadron.
Within the hour, an MH-139A Grey Wolf — call sign Air Force Rescue 11 — lifted off from Malmstrom into wildfire smoke and fading light.
More than four hours of night flying, in tough conditions, well above their usual training altitude — and the first successful rescue using the Grey Wolf's hoist.
The crew credited the win to teamwork with the Carbon County Sheriff's Office and partner agencies across the region.
