Alaska
6 Alaska high school track and field athletes to watch, plus top Big C Relays performances
The Anchorage Daily News caught up with some of the top track and field athletes from around the state at the annual Big C Relays. The list includes a sprinter who likes to play disc golf, a pair of Spider-Man fans, a reigning state champ who can’t get enough Macklemore, and three elite athletes whose biggest influences have been their older brothers. There were also several notable performances by perennial contenders and up-and-coming talent alike.
Here’s an introduction to six track and field athletes and the top performers from the Big C Relays.
Tyce Escott, Soldotna
The Soldotna senior sprinter was the Division I boys state runner-up in the 100 meters in 2025 by 0.01 seconds, and is the reigning state champ in the 200 meters. At the Big C Relays, he competed in the 100 and finished second in the prelims with mark of 11.34 seconds, then finished fourth in the semifinals in a time of 11.37 seconds. Escott helped the Stars Mixed Swedish Medley Relay team come in first place with a time of 2:09.55.
How did you get started in track and field? “I kind of just grew up running and decided to try it as a sport when I got to middle school, and I’ve been doing it ever since.”
What is your favorite hype music genre, song or artist before an event? “I don’t usually listen to music. I’m just in my own head and do what I want to do.”
What is the best movie or series you’ve watched in the past year? “Spider-Man Homecoming.”
Favorite fictional character of all time: “Spider-Man.”
Spider-Man follow-up: Favorite Spider-Man live action actor? “I like the Tom Holland ones the best, but I like Andrew Garfield too.”
Who is the most influential or inspirational person in your life? “I look up to my older brother. He didn’t do track but he always did sports and he was known for being fast. He did football and soccer.”
Goals for this season: “I’m hoping to come back and try to get first (at state in the 100 meters), try to improve as much as I can and do the best to my ability. My goals are to hopefully win state, beat my (personal records) and just do as best as I can.”
What is your favorite non-sports leisure activity? “I play disc golf sometimes. There’s probably three or four (courses) down in Soldotna.”
Anna Green, South
The South Anchorage senior sprinter is the reigning Division I girls state champion in the 200 meters, and she also finished third in the 100 and fourth in the 400 last year at state. At the Big C Relays, she competed in the 100 meters and clocked the top times in the prelims (12.81 seconds) and the semifinals (12.86 seconds). In the finals, she came in third place with a time of 12.83 seconds and also helped the Wolverines finish third in the girls Swedish Medley Relay 1600-meter race with a mark of 4:37.22.
How did you get started in track and field? “My middle school health teacher. I was originally a hurdler and she transitioned me to a sprinter, and I’ve stuck with it ever since.”
What is your favorite hype music genre, song or artist before an event? “Macklemore! Before every race, I listen to him.”
What is the best movie or series you’ve watched in the past year? “‘Prison Break.’ It was just thrilling.”
Favorite fictional character of all time: “Donald Duck. He’s always been my favorite since childhood.”
Who is the most influential or inspirational person in your life? “My dad. He grew up in Australia and ran (track) and played soccer. I played soccer my entire life, and I’m going to run track in college, and he was a big part of that.”
Goals for this season: “I want to (record personal bests), break another school record after I broke the 400 last year and I want to try to defend my 200-meter state title.”
What is your favorite non-sports leisure activity? “Watching movies and hanging out around my house with friends.”
Benjamin Hiestand, Chugiak
The Chugiak junior thrower is the Division I boys state champion in discus and came in fourth in the shot put at state last year. At the Big C Relays, he competed in the shot put and discus, setting a new personal best in the shot with a first-place mark of 50 feet, 3.25 inches Friday. He came back on Saturday and recorded the top mark in the discus as well, 161 feet, 1 inch.
How did you get started in track and field? “My brother (Edward). I always followed what he did when I was younger so in the third grade, I did sprints because I was just following him and then he transitioned to throws, so that’s what started getting me into throws too.”
What is your favorite hype music genre, song or artist before an event? “I usually do no music so I can stay locked in and just focus.”
What is the best movie or series you’ve watched in the past year? “My favorite show is ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ and for movie series it’s ‘Ip Man’ for the martial arts and John Wick.”
Favorite fictional character of all time: “Zuko from ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender.’ I just like his story of how he kind of redeemed himself at the end. He showed a lot of growth.”
Who is the most influential or inspirational person in your life? “My brother. He taught me a lot and I was really thankful to have him growing up as an example.”
Goals for this season: “This season, I’ve been seeing massive breakthroughs in both shotput and discus and I’m ready to really see what I can do. … Last year I kind of ran into a slump in shot put and I didn’t really improve at all from freshman year, but this year I’ve been really hammering down on the rotational form and I’ve been seeing breakthroughs in that, and I’m really starting to feel comfortable with the rotational form.”
What is your favorite non-sports leisure activity? “Just exploring and driving around and playing video games.”
Bella Connally, Juneau-Douglas
The Juneau-Douglas sophomore sprinter is the reigning Division I girls state champion in the 100 meters and came in fifth in the 200 meters. At the Big C Relays, she competed in the 100 meters, finishing fourth in the prelims with mark of 13.03 seconds, second in the semifinals in a time of 12.90 seconds and first in the finals in a time of 12.68 seconds. She earned the title of Fastest Alaskan on the girls side.
How did you get started in track and field? “My brother. He did track and field and I saw him running all the time and I was like, ‘Whoa, that looks really cool,’ and I thought I’d be good at that too.”
What is your favorite hype music genre, song or artist before an event? “I like to listen to Frank Ocean. I like to get in my feelings and stuff. I can’t do hype music.”
What is the best movie or series you’ve watched in the past year? “‘Modern Family’ and ‘The Office.’”
Favorite fictional character of all time: “I love ‘Spider-Man.’ The Tom Holland one is my favorite.”
Who is the most influential or inspirational person in your life? “My brother.”
Goals for this season: “I’d really like to run a (personal record), I’d like to qualify for Nike Nationals, to win state again. That’d be really cool.”
What is your favorite non-sports leisure activity? “I like to do ceramics. I have a class in my high school for it, so basically every day.”
Joshua Woko, Mountain City Christian Academy
The senior from Mountain City Christian Academy was Division II boys state runner-up in the triple jump in 2025 by about an inch, placed fifth in the long jump and was part of the state champion 4×400 relay team. At the Big C Relays, he competed in long jump and recorded the second-best mark with a new personal best of 20 feet, 8.75 inches on his first attempt, and he recorded the fifth-best mark in the high jump with 5 feet, 2 inches. He also helped the Lions Mixed Swedish Medley Relay team come in fifth place with a time of 2:19.50.
How did you get started in track and field? “I started my sophomore year. It was something I was kind of debating if I should do, but I was told, ‘Just try it out,’ and when I tried it out, I saw I was good at it and I decided to do it.”
What is your favorite hype music genre, song or artist before an event? “Rap music. Kendrick and Don Toliver.”
What is the best movie or series you’ve watched in the past year? “I’m into anime, so probably ‘Jujutsu Kaisen.’ I like the energy that each character has and the bosses they have to fight.”
Who is the most influential or inspirational person in your life? “Definitely my uncle. He’s my pastor and he’s also my spiritual leader, so he helps me with life struggles, shows me the right path to take, and he’s my counselor.”
Goals for this season: “I’m trying to make sure I do my best this year because I only have one last chance. … Try to (do well) in the 400 again and then get 43 (feet) for triple (jump) and at least 21 or 22 for long jump.”
What is your favorite non-sports leisure activity? “I love watching shows, and I also love to play games like chess, and I also draw a lot.”
Ailafo Fautanu, Dimond
The Dimond junior thrower was the Division I girls state runner-up in the shot put in 2025 and placed third in the discus. At the Big C Relays, she competed in the discus and produced the fourth-best mark at 99 feet, 6 inches, and came back on Saturday and recorded the third-best mark in the shot put with a mark of 33 feet, 9.25 inches.
How did you get started in track and field? “With volleyball being my main sport, I just thought, ‘Why not fill my free time with track and field?’ and it was really fun for me and I really liked the experience, so I just decided to keep going at it.”
What is your favorite hype music genre, song or artist before an event? “No, I’m just locked in.”
What is the best movie or series you’ve watched in the past year? “‘The Miracle Season.’ I just like how the girls had something to motivate them and push them through the season and win their state championship. It’s a volleyball movie.”
Favorite fictional character of all time: “SpongeBob.”
Who is the most influential or inspirational person in your life? “My mom. She’s been a really good role model for me, she’s a hard worker, takes time out of the day to support her kids, even when she’s busy.”
Goals for this season: “Hopefully win a state championship but first reach my goals of (setting a new personal record).”
What is your favorite non-sports leisure activity? “I like skiing and going hiking. I like to hike every once in a while to get in shape and stay in shape. I like to go on sunset drives to unwind from stressful weeks.”
Top performances
Nevaeh Watkins, a Dimond junior and reigning Division I girls 100-meter hurdles and high jump state champion, had quite the first day of action at the Big C Relays. She started by setting a new meet record for the high jump with a first-place mark of 5 feet, 2 inches, and followed it up by recording the fastest time in the 100-meter hurdle prelims and semifinals, which included a new personal best of 15.25 seconds in the semis.
Seward senior and reigning Division II boys state high jump champion Olin Liljemark was the only jumper to clear 6 feet in the event on Friday, which bested his title-winning mark of 5 feet, 10 inches from last year.
Mountain City Christian senior thrower Jieaya Siatini, who is the three-time Division II shot put state champion and reigning discus state champion, won the girls discus by a wide margin. Her mark of 128 feet, 4 inches was more than 23 feet farther than second-place finisher Mattelyn Elliott of Colony (105 feet). Siatini won the girls shot put as well with a mark of 39 feet, 10.75 inches. Runner-up Lilly Davidge, a Lathrop senior, recorded a mark of 33 feet, 11.5 inches.
Chugiak senior distance runner Hannah Shaha successfully defended her Big C title in the 3,200-meter race with a time of 11:53.92, which edged out Eagle River’s Ashlyn Paynter, who came in second at 11:56.32. Shaha, the 2023 Cross Country Gatorade Player of the Year, is also the reigning Division I girls state champion in the same event.
West Valley senior Cedar Robichaud outpaced Chugiak sophomore Frederick Millen III in the boys 100-meter finals with a first-place time of 11.26 seconds to earn the title of Fastest Alaskan.
The Chugiak quartet of Luke Poland, Ahmir Walker, Elijah Udall and Frederick Millen III set a new meet record in the boys 4×100 meter race with a first-place time of 43.44 seconds, besting the previous record of 43.74.
Big C Relays
Girls
100 Meters Varsity – Finals
1. Bella Connally 12.68, Juneau-Douglas
2. Sophia Jedlicki 12.77, Soldotna
3. Anna Green 12.83, South
4. Sienna Johnson 13.04, Chugiak
5. Farrah Gamechuk 13.18, Bartlett
6. Taylor Eddington 13.22, Tri-Valley
100 Meters Pentathlon – Finals
1. Iris Haas 13.04, Delta Junction
2. Caroline Klebs 13.69, Grace Christian
3. Katie Mackin 14.07, Bartlett
4. Kathryn DeBardelaben 14.17, Soldotna
5. Hannah Bodkin 14.21, Chugiak
6. Mari Ward 15.38, Holy Rosary Academy
200 Meters Varsity – Finals
1. Taylor Eddington 26.49, Tri-Valley
2. Farrah Gamechuk 26.92, Bartlett
3. Leila Petersen 27.17, Palmer
4. Shiloh Zichko 27.44, Soldotna
5. Annelise Larsen 27.53, Colony
6. Evonna Council 28.18, East
400 Meters Varsity – Finals
1. Kendall Barnett 1:00.07, West
2. Ellie Stull 1:00.52, Dimond
3. Leila Petersen 1:01.06, Palmer
4. Petra Knox 1:01.33, Chugiak
5. Olivia Sandoval 1:01.43, Chugiak
6. Tagan Rinner 1:01.64, Grace Christian
1 Mile Varsity – Finals
1. Kendall Barnett 5:09.70, West
2. Maddison Kukuk 5:26.60, Chugiak
3. Hannah Shaha 5:33.40, Chugiak
4. Kyra Walter 5:35.18, Chugiak
5. Fiona Selvik 5:35.79, Service
6. Ashlyn Paynter 5:40.80, Eagle River
3200 Meters Varsity – Finals
1. Hannah Shaha 11:53.92, Chugiak
2. Ashlyn Paynter 11:56.32, Eagle River
3. Maddison Kukuk 11:56.57, Chugiak
4. Kyra Walter 12:05.25, Chugiak
5. Rylee Ruggles 12:15.38, Chugiak
6. Myra Kalafut 13:05.23, Homer
100m Hurdles – 33″ / 0.838m Varsity – Finals
1. Nevaeh Watkins 15.14, Dimond
2. Emilia Zych 16.25, Service
3. Emma Mersdorf 17.21, Mountain City Christian Academy
4. Sienna Johnson 17.72, Chugiak
5. Jewel Gardner 17.79, Wasilla
6. Kelsey Momblow 18.12, Eagle River
300m Hurdles – 30″ / 0.762m Varsity – Finals
1. Taylor Eddington 46.44, Tri-Valley
2. Emilia Zych 47.74, Service
3. Katrina Baisa 50.70, Kodiak
4. Mia Bukala 51.41, Redington
5. Jewel Gardner 51.51, Wasilla
6. Vera Bates 51.52, Homer
300m Hurdles – 30″ / 0.762m Pentathlon – Finals
1. Iris Haas 49.26, Delta Junction
2. Hannah Bodkin 51.58, Chugiak
3. Kathryn DeBardelaben 52.34, Soldotna
4. Caroline Klebs 53.28, Grace Christian
5. Katie Mackin 53.45, Bartlett
6. Mari Ward 59.90a, Holy Rosary Academy
4×100 Relay Varsity – Finals
1. Tri-Valley 51.74
2. Soldotna 51.78
3. Dimond 52.00
4. South 53.15
5. Bartlett 53.64
6. Service 53.83
4×800 Relay Varsity – Finals
1. Chugiak 10:00.64
2. Soldotna 10:33.53
3. Grace Christian 10:58.86
4. Homer 11:03.64
5. Service 11:08.30
6. Su Valley 11:09.36
SMR 1600m – (200-200-400-800) Varsity – Finals
1. Dimond 4:19.43
2. Chugiak 4:30.85
3. South 4:37.22
4. Soldotna 4:39.24
5. Homer 4:47.17
6. Service 4:53.56
DMR 4000m – (1,200-400-800-1,600) Varsity – Finals
1. West 13:57.66
2. Soldotna 14:03.47
3. Service 14:21.92
4. Dimond 14:31.34
5. Su Valley 15:00.59
6. Wasilla 15:01.49
Shot Put – 4kg Pentathlon – Finals
1. Kathryn DeBardelaben 26′ 2″, Soldotna
2. Hannah Bodkin 25′ 9″, Chugiak
3. Iris Haas 22′ 11″, Delta Junction
4. Mari Ward 21′ 6″, Holy Rosary Academy
5. Katie Mackin 20′ 2″, Bartlett
6. Caroline Klebs 18′ 7″, Grace Christian
Shot Put – 4kg Varsity – Finals
1. Jieaya Siatini Williams 39′ 10.75″, Mountain City Christian Academy
2. Lilly Davidge 33′ 11.5″, Lathrop
3. Ailafo Fautanu 33′ 9.25″, Dimond
4. Emilee Anderson 33′ 7″, South
5. Loseli Ofiu 32′ 7.5″, West
6. Juliet Innes 32′ 4″, Soldotna
Discus – 1kg Varsity – Finals
1. Jieaya Siatini Williams 128′ 4″, Mountain City Christian Academy
2. Mattelyn Elliott 105′ 0″, Colony
3. Emilee Anderson 100′ 0″, South
4. Ailafo Fautanu 99′ 6″, Dimond
5. Mia Christensen 98′ 7″, Wasilla
6. Dayten VanOstrand 93′ 1″, Homer
High Jump Varsity – Finals
1. Nevaeh Watkins 5′ 2″, Dimond
2. Jessie Wentworth 5′ 0″, Su Valley
3. Autumn Larson 4′ 10″, Chugiak
4. Halie Sandstrom 4′ 10″, Colony
5. Jase Emerson 4′ 10″, Service
6. Maura McDaniel 4′ 8″, Su Valley
High Jump Pentathlon – Finals
1. Hannah Bodkin 4′ 6″, Chugiak
2. Iris Haas 4′ 4″, Delta Junction
3. Kathryn DeBardelaben 4′ 4″, Soldotna
4. Caroline Klebs 4′ 4″, Grace Christian
5. Katie Mackin 4′ 0″, Bartlett
6. Mari Ward 3′ 10″, Holy Rosary Academy
Long Jump Varsity – Finals
1. Rachael White 15′ 11.5″, South
2. Emilia Zych 15′ 8″, Service
3. Reilly Sue Baker 15′ 7″, Homer
4. Darby D’Amico 15′ 6.25″, South
5. Caroline Klebs 15′ 3.25″, Grace Christian
6. Grayson Henry 15′ 3″, Soldotna
Boys
100 Meters Varsity – Finals
1. Cedar Robichaud 11.26, West Valley
2. Frederick Millen III 11.29, Chugiak
3. Abubacar Marenah 11.40, West
4. Christopher Casey 11.43, West
5. Elijah Udall 11.67, Chugiak
6. Luke Poland 12.13, Chugiak
100 Meters Pentathlon – Finals
1. William Klein 11.93, Soldotna
2. Liam Pettit 12.03, Mountain City Christian Academy
3. Calvin Musgrave 12.07, Wasilla
4. Johannes Bynagle 12.41, Homer
5. Chris Jones 12.58 Grace Christian
6. Gideon Bedingfield 12.72, Su Valley
200 Meters Varsity – Finals
1. Cedar Robichaud 22.83, West Valley
2. Frederick Millen III 22.86, Chugiak
3. Ahmir Walker 22.90, Chugiak
4. Matthew Varney 23.13, Chugiak
5. Elijah Udall 23.38, Chugiak
6. Chrystchen Font 23.49, Service
400 Meters Varsity – Finals
1. Matthew Varney 50.73, Chugiak
2. Jack Weiss 51.50, Dimond
3. Ahmir Walker 51.51, Chugiak
4.Travis Saari 52.28, Colony
5. Reubin Williams 52.54, Service
6. Ansel Alexander 52.56, West
800 Meters Pentathlon – Finals
1. Johannes Bynagle 2:05.54, Homer
2. Liam Pettit 2:17.57, Mountain City Christian Academy
3. Gideon Bedingfield 2:18.49, Su Valley
4. Chris Jones 2:19.12, Grace Christian
5. Calvin Musgrave 2:29.08, Wasilla
6. William Klein 2:29.82, Soldotna
1 Mile Varsity – Finals
1. Arlo Jespersen 4:36.22, West
2. Kohen Galloway 4:37.53, Chugiak
3. Weston Roberts 4:38.00, Kodiak
4. Jai Badajos 4:41.57, Homer
5. Breyden Nottingham 4:44.08, Mountain City Christian Academy
6. Atlin Frederick 4:48.38, West
3200 Meters Varsity – Finals
1. Weston Roberts 10:01.27. Kodiak
2. Breyden Nottingham 10:05.74, Mountain City Christian Academy
3. Henry Pysher 10:07.41, Kodiak
4. Kohen Galloway 10:08.49, Chugiak
5. Joseph Laudermilch 10:10.90, Birchwood Christian
6. Josiah Herrick 10:11.54, Colony
110m Hurdles – 39″ / 0.991m Varsity – Finals
1. Matthew Jackson 15.29, East
2. Malachi Coski 16.58, Dimond
3. Tait Ostrom 16.64, Homer
4. Chris Jones 16.98, Grace Christian
5. Brandt Rollman 17.50, Cook Inlet Academy
6. Ethan Parker 17.72, Mountain City Christian Academy
300m Hurdles – 36″ / 0.914m Varsity – Finals
1. Christian Enriquez 43.64, Kodiak
2. Jayden Yeager 43.67, Soldotna
3. Elijah Johnson 44.49, North Pole
4. Adrienne Wales 44.90, Bartlett
5. Lucas Starck 45.01, West
6. Hunter Davis 45.81, Service
300m Hurdles – 36″ / 0.914m Pentathlon – Finals
1. Liam Pettit 43.92, Mountain City Christian Academy
2. Chris Jones 44.02, Grace Christian
3. Johannes Bynagle 45.35, Homer
4. William Klein 45.41, Soldotna
5. Calvin Musgrave 46.39, Wasilla
6. Gideon Bedingfield 47.74, Su Valley
4×100 Relay Varsity – Finals
1. Chugiak 43.44
2. Grace Christian 45.85
3. Palmer 45.94
4. Soldotna 45.99
5. Service 46.05
6. Bartlett 46.07
4×800 Relay Varsity – Finals
1. Soldotna 8:39.55
2. Kodiak 8:42.88
3. Mountain City Christian Academy 8:53.99
4. Valdez 8:54.57
5. Eagle River 8:55.46
6. Grace Christian 8:56.20
SMR 1600m – (200-200-400-800) Varsity – Finals
1. Dimond 3:43.67
2. Homer 3:49.04
3. Colony 3:49.16
4. Chugiak 3:50.21
5. Soldotna 3:53.95
6. Mountain City Christian Academy 3:53.97
DMR 4000m – (1,200-400-800-1,600) Varsity – Finals
1. West 11:07.81
2. Kodiak 11:25.56
3. Homer 11:29.80
4. Soldotna 11:33.77
5. Service 11:43.26
6. West Valley 11:45.33
Shot Put – 12lb Varsity – Finals
1. Benjamin Hiestand 50′ 3.25″, Chugiak
2. Theo Huff 47′ 2″, Soldotna
3. Grant Ousley 45′ 9″, Colony
4. Tino Timu 44′ 9.75″, Kodiak
5. Kyle Petersen 44′ 5″, Valdez
6. Ryvre Howell 42′ 9″, Chugiak
Shot Put – 12lb Pentathlon – Finals
1. Liam Pettit 40′ 1″, Mountain City Christian Academy
2. Johannes Bynagle 38′ 8″, Homer
3. William Klein 33′ 2″, Soldotna
4. Chris Jones 32′ 9″, Grace Christian
5. Calvin Musgrave 32′ 2″, Wasilla
6. Gideon Bedingfield 28′ 8″, Su Valley
Discus – 1.6kg Varsity – Finals
1. Benjamin Hiestand 161′ 1″, Chugiak
2. Nolan Garner 133′ 8″, Palmer
3. Theo Huff 132′ 1″, Soldotna
4. Curtis Forbes 129′ 1″, Lathrop
5. Grant Ousley 123′ 0″, Colony
6. Matthew Innes 121′ 4″, Soldotna
High Jump Varsity – Finals
1. Olin Liljemark 6′ 0″, Seward
2. Triton Ellis 5′ 8″, Colony
3. Ryan Gossett 5′ 6″, Su Valley
3. Julian Kiefer 5′ 6″, Kodiak
5. Christian Enriquez 5′ 6″, Kodiak
6. Corde Bates 5′ 4″, Dimond
6. Corbin Gerkin 5′ 4″, Palmer
High Jump Pentathlon – Finals
1. Johannes Bynagle 6′ 0″, Homer
2. Chris Jones 5′ 2″, Grace Christian
2. Gideon Bedingfield 5′ 2″, Su Valley
2. Calvin Musgrave 5′ 2″, Wasilla
5. Liam Pettit 5′ 2″, Mountain City Christian Academy
6. William Klein 5′ 0″, Soldotna
Long Jump Varsity – Finals
1. Corde Bates 20′ 9″, Dimond
2. Joshua Woko 20′ 8.75″, Mountain City Christian Academy
3. Wilson Lawson 20′ 3.5″, Lathrop
4. Ashton Clarkson 19′ 5.75″, Grace Christian
5. Triton Ellis 19′ 2.75″, Colony
6. Corbin Gerkin 19′ 1.75″, Palmer
Mixed Results
Mixed Swedish 100-200-300-400m Varsity – Finals
1. Soldotna 2:09.55
2. Dimond 2:12.88
3. West Valley 2:15.46
4. Kodiak 2:17.39
5. Mountain City Christian Academy 2:19.50
6. West 2:19.80
WHEREAS, on June 3, 1942, six months after the attack on Pearl Harbor, World War II arrived in Alaska when Dutch Harbor on Amaknak Island was bombed by Japanese – the first aerial attack by an enemy on the continental United States; and
WHEREAS, the Japanese pilots expected little resistance; but because of an intercepted message three weeks earlier, the installation was on high alert, and Navy and Marine personnel were prepared with anti-aircraft defenses; and
WHEREAS, encountering unexpected resistance at Dutch Harbor, installation, Japanese forces shifted their focus to the Margaret Bay Naval Barracks, where the attack claimed the lives of 25 servicemen; and
WHEREAS, following the initial attack on Dutch Harbor, Japanese forces launched additional assaults on Dutch Harbor, Adak, Kiska, and Attu, resulting in the Aleut people being evacuated and held in internment camps in Southeast Alaska for three years, through which many did not survive; and
WHEREAS, the brave soldiers of the United States Armed Forces and allied Canadian Forces fought valiantly for more than a year to reclaim the remaining Aleutian Islands. The battle of Attu stands as one of the most costly American assaults in the Pacific, with hundreds of servicemen making the ultimate sacrifice to liberate Alaska; and
WHEREAS, on the 84th anniversary of the bombing of Dutch Harbor, we remember and honor all who were affected by the attack, paying tribute both to the military personnel who served and died to defend our Nation and to the Aleut people who died while imprisoned.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim June 3, 2026, as:
Dutch Harbor Remembrance Day
in Alaska and encourage all Alaskans to join with the people of Dutch Harbor, Unalaska, and the Aleutian Islands to honor all who were lost in Alaska during World War II, and I order the Alaska State Flag to be flown at half-staff in remembrance of those who perished.
Dated: June 3, 2026
A plane belonging to the Alaska National Guard appears to have been damaged during operations connected to Operation Epic Fury as part of American military efforts against Iran, according to online reports. Defense officials have so far declined to confirm whether Alaska National Guard personnel or equipment are taking part in the campaign.
Last week, defense industry news outlet The War Zone published photos of a KC-135 Stratotanker transiting through a British airbase. In the pictures, made by photographer Andrew McKelvey, the rear bottom of the fuselage and wing stabilizers are “peppered with temporary shrapnel damage repairs‚“ according to The War Zone’s article. The plane also appears to be missing its refueling boom, the proboscis extending from under the tail to pump off fuel to other aircraft.
In the photographs, the Stratotanker’s tail number is visible, identifying the refueling plane as belonging to the Alaska Air National Guard’s 168th Wing, based at Eielson Air Force Base outside of Fairbanks. The wing’s mission includes aerial refueling. That’s the tactic of large planes unloading vast quantities of fuel to aircraft, ranging from fighter jets to rescue helicopters, in midair.
Pictures from a different photographer published last week by another blog, The Aviationist, show the same plane. The tail includes the letters “AK” painted above a white polar bear.
In addition to the photographs, the reporting from The War Zone is based on publicly available flight data and social media posts scraped from a variety of sources.
According to information from Flight Radar 24, the Stratotanker left Eielson on March 5, just days after the U.S. and Israeli militaries began bombing Iranian targets on Feb. 28. Through March, according to public flight records, the plane was based at Ben Gurion Airport southeast of Tel Aviv, where, according to The War Zone, dozens of American refueling aircraft were staged as part of Operation Epic Fury.
There are no public flight records connected to the Stratotanker through April and most of May, until it appeared to fly through England on the way to the United States at the end of last month.
It is not clear how many Alaska Air National Guard planes, personnel or units are currently deployed in connection to the war effort against Iran.
A spokesperson for the Alaska National Guard referred all questions about Operation Epic Fury to the U.S. Central Command.
A spokesperson for CENTCOM, headquartered at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida, declined to answer questions on the record or provide any specific information about Alaska National Guard units deployed as part of ongoing military operations, citing the need to protect service members and operational security.
The Alaska National Guard has posted no informational releases or pictures connected to an overseas deployment during the last few months.
Much of Operation Epic Fury has been waged by military aircraft, and aerial refueling is critical to keeping planes supplied during long flights. A May 12 report from the Congressional Research Service composed of public damage reports to U.S. military aircraft noted that among the 42 records of damage or losses were seven KC-135 Stratotankers, though the findings were published before photos emerged of the Alaska-based plane. The report noted that the Defense Department “has not published a comprehensive assessment of combat losses” from Operation Epic Fury.
The tail number is associated with a Stratotanker manufactured in 1964, the year before Boeing ceased making them. All of the nearly 400 KC-135s currently in operation within the American military date back to that era of the Cold War.
The aircraft has the word “Tetlin” painted on the top of its tail. The name is an homage to the Interior Alaska village, one of several selected to honor longstanding bonds between military aviators and Alaska Native communities, according to photographs of a dedication ceremony posted by the Alaska National Guard last summer.
The 168th Wing currently has 12 Stratotankers attached to the unit. That number bumped up in April after a long campaign by Alaska Republican U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan to allocate more tankers to the state’s portfolio given its vast geography and high number of advanced fighter jets.
- Alaska Airlines is opening its newest Lounge at Portland International Airport, featuring thoughtfully designed spaces with twice the square footage and seating of the current space
- The new Lounge reflects the airline’s appreciation for its loyal guests and comes as Alaska continues to expand its service in Portland, offering more flights and more options for guests
- The investment to modernize the Portland Lounge is part of Alaska’s growing portfolio to elevate its global guest experience and expand its Lounge footprint, including new spaces in Seattle, San Diego and Honolulu
PORTLAND, Ore., June 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Alaska Airlines is set to welcome guests to its newest Lounge at Portland International Airport (PDX) when it officially opens on June 4, underscoring its continued investment in premium travel and one of the carrier’s key West Coast hubs.
After more than two years of construction, the approximately 14,000-square-foot Lounge will welcome guests with a warm, thoughtfully designed Pacific Northwest aesthetic, featuring an inviting fireplace and a striking wooden Mt. Hood mural by artist Ben Butler. At twice the size of the current Portland Lounge, it offers more than 230 seats, including Alaska’s Signature Loungers, along with high, open ceilings that bring in natural light and views of PDX’s new terminal. Guests can relax, enjoy fresh, regionally inspired food, sip barista-crafted beverages or cocktails from West Coast partners, or take advantage of ample power plugs and privacy booths for calls and meetings.
“Portland guests have chosen Alaska for years and played an important role in our growth in the Pacific Northwest,” said Shane Jones, senior vice president of fleet, products and guest experience. “This new Lounge is our way of thanking them and a reflection of our growing portfolio of premium guest experiences. We look forward to opening our doors this week and welcoming guests with the signature hospitality and thoughtful touches Alaska is known for.”
Alaska is the largest carrier serving Portland, operating more flights than any other airline, including more than 100 daily departures. Portland is a critical hub in Alaska and Hawaiian’s network with expanding service to over 60 destinations across North America and beyond. This summer, Alaska will launch year-round service to Everett/Paine Field and Pasco–Tri-Cities, along with seasonal service to Jackson Hole. Last month, new service began to Baltimore, Bellingham, Idaho Falls, Philadelphia and St. Louis. By this fall, Alaska will offer 50% more seats in Portland than just two years ago, reflecting strong demand for travel and the airline’s continued investment in the market.
“Our strong partnership with Alaska has helped to elevate the new PDX as a world-class destination that showcases the Pacific Northwest and makes everyone feel at home,” said Chris Czarnecki, PDX business and properties director. “We’re thrilled their new PDX Lounge is here for the long-haul, offering travelers a stunning spot to relax, recharge, and experience a taste of our region.”
The nearly $18 million investment in the Portland Lounge is part of Alaska’s growing Lounge footprint and broader commitment to enhancing the guest experience as it expands globally. Building on this investment, Alaska just announced its plans to open a landmark, more than 41,000-square-foot Lounge in 2027. The Lounge, which will be located in Seattle – home to the airline’s main hub – will be the largest in its network and among the largest airline lounges in the country. The airline is also designing its first Lounge in San Diego along with a new, expanded Lounge in Honolulu, both slated for early 2028.
Alaska Airlines Lounge members can access eight premium Lounges across the Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines network, including its largest Lounge in Seattle and additional locations at its hubs in Anchorage, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Alaska Lounge+ membership unlocks access to all Alaska Lounges, plus nearly 90 partner Lounges worldwide, including select oneworld and partner Lounges. To learn more or sign up to become an Alaska Lounge member, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is Alaska Airlines opening at Portland International Airport?
A: Alaska Airlines is opening a newly redesigned Lounge at Portland International Airport (PDX) on June 4, 2026, offering a larger, more modern space with premium amenities, regional food and beverage options, and enhanced comfort for guests.
How big is the new Alaska Lounge in Portland?
A: The new Lounge is approximately 14,000 square feet—about twice the size of the previous Portland Lounge—and features more than 230 seats.
What amenities are available in the new Alaska Lounge at PDX?
A: Guests can enjoy:
- Barista-crafted coffee and specialty beverages
- West Coast-inspired cocktails
- Fresh, locally inspired food
- Signature Lounge seating and private booths
- Ample power outlets and workspaces
- Relaxation areas with premium finishes
Who can access Alaska Airlines Lounges?
A: Access is available to:
- Alaska Lounge members
- Alaska Lounge+ members
- Eligible First Class guests
- Eligible oneworld and partner airline passengers
What is the difference between Alaska Lounge and Lounge+ membership?
A: Alaska Lounge+ membership includes access to all Alaska Lounges plus nearly 90 partner Lounges worldwide, while standard Alaska Lounge membership provides access to all eight Alaska-operated Lounges.
Why is Portland important to Alaska Airlines?
A: Portland is one of Alaska Airlines’ key West Coast hubs, with more than 100 daily departures and nonstop service to over 60 destinations across North America. By this fall, Alaska will offer 50% more seats in Portland than just two years ago, reflecting strong demand for travel and the airline’s continued investment in the market.
How is Alaska Airlines expanding its Lounge network?
A: Alaska Airlines is investing in multiple new and expanded Lounges, including:
- A 41,000+ square feet landmark Lounge in Seattle opening in 2027
- A new Lounge in San Diego
- An expanded Lounge in Honolulu
How much did Alaska Airlines invest in the new Portland Lounge?
A: Alaska Airlines invested nearly $18 million in the new Portland Lounge as part of its broader investment in premium travel as the airline continues to grow globally.
About Alaska, Hawaiian and Horizon
Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group, and McGee Air Services is a subsidiary of Alaska Airlines. We are a global airline with hubs in Seattle, Honolulu, Portland, Anchorage, Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. We deliver remarkable care as we fly our guests to more than 140 destinations throughout North America, Latin America, Asia, the Pacific and Europe. Guests can book travel at alaskaair.com and hawaiianairlines.com. Alaska and Hawaiian are members of the oneworld alliance. Members of our Atmos Rewards loyalty program can earn and redeem points with oneworld airlines and our additional global partners that serve over 1,000 worldwide destinations. Learn more about what’s happening at Alaska and Hawaiian at news.alaskaair.com. Alaska Air Group is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as “ALK.”
SOURCE Alaska Airlines
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