Photos: Army’s 11th Airborne Division marks Alaska activation anniversary with jump

Updated: June 7, 2023 Published: June 7, 2023

Paratroopers float to the ground during a light rain as 400 paratroopers jumped from CH-47 Chinook helicopters at Malemute Drop Zone on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on Tuesday, June 6, 2023. (Bill Roth / ADN)

The Army’s 11th Airborne Division Arctic Angels on Tuesday celebrated the anniversary of the division’s activation in Alaska with Angel Rendezvous Week activities at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage and Fort Wainwright in Fairbanks.

About 400 paratroopers jumped from CH-47 Chinook helicopters at Malemute Drop Zone on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, as the 11th Airborne Division Arctic Angels celebrate the anniversary of the division's activation in Alaska.

Capt. Alexander Banks watched paratroopers jump from a CH-47 Chinook helicopter with his daughters Alyssia, 5, and Alaina, 7, as families had the opportunity to watch airborne operations at Malemute Drop Zone on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on Tuesday. (Bill Roth / ADN)

About 400 paratroopers jumped from CH-47 Chinook helicopters at Malemute Drop Zone on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on Tuesday. (Bill Roth / ADN)

Staff Sgt. Austin Cattera with Charlie Company, 3-509th, collects his parachute after making a jump at Malemute Drop Zone on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on Tuesday, June 6, 2023. (Bill Roth / ADN)

While packing up his parachute, Staff Sgt. Austin Cattera said, “Chinook jumps are like the hidden gem of jumps when it comes to airborne operations.”

A paratrooper is framed by the Chugach Mountains during airborne operations at Malemute Drop Zone on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on Tuesday, June 6, 2023. (Bill Roth / ADN)

Paratroopers carry their parachutes after jumping at Malemute Drop Zone on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on Tuesday. (Bill Roth / ADN)

Sgt. Brianna Tapia with the 241st Quartermaster Company, 725th BSB, jumped from a CH-47 Chinook helicopter at Malemute Drop Zone on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on Tuesday, June 6, 2023. (Bill Roth / ADN)

Back on the ground, U.S. Army Sgt. Brianna Tapia said, “I was smiling at the jump master as I was ready to exit the ramp. It was awesome except for landing in the mud. I’m still smiling. It was a good day.”

Linda Avila with Xander, 1 1/2, and Xavier, 5, look for Sgt. Raul Avila as he jumped from a CH-47 Chinook helicopter at Malemute Drop Zone on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on Tuesday, June 6, 2023. (Bill Roth / ADN)

Alyssia Banks, 5, and sister Alaina Banks, 7, stand in a rain puddle as paratroopers jumped from CH-47 Chinook helicopters at Malemute Drop Zone on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on Tuesday, June 6, 2023. (Bill Roth / ADN)

Bill Roth

Bill Roth is a staff photojournalist at the Anchorage Daily News.