The 297th BSB was utilizing already existing AK ARNG units and assets. The long range surveillance/airborne detachment have been up here since at least the 60s. As a matter of fact, the AK ARNG has given up more equipment over the years. The C-23 Sherpa was retired after heavy use in Iraq and the slated replacement, the C-27 was cancelled by the USAF. Which means all the flight support that was done way back when by Twin otters, then Sherpas for next to no cost is now done by the much more expensive C-130 and C-17. Yay, lets retire equipment, get rid of people and spend more money for less returns! Awesome. But getting back to units, what exactly can the AK ARNG be with very little heavy equipment?