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)