In "Flying in Alaska — The Last Frontier," Will Dabbs, MD, shares his vivid experiences of being stationed in Alaska during his time in the military. Despite initially wanting to go to Europe, he accepted his orders to Alaska, a place vastly different from his upbringing in the Deep South. He describes his journey north with his family and the initial culture shock of encountering vehicles equipped with engine block heaters to survive the extreme cold. His focus swiftly shifts to the sheer size and beauty of Alaska, where he navigated the vast wilderness in a CH-47D Chinook helicopter.
Dabbs reminisces about his dual roles in Alaska, first as part of a CH-47D helicopter unit, which allowed him to traverse and see nearly untouched parts of the state, and later as an Aviation Liaison Officer to an infantry brigade. He recounts the rugged, extreme weather conditions including temperatures dropping to 62 degrees below zero, and performing brigade runs at 40 below. His flying experiences were filled with adventures like summiting Mount McKinley by helicopter and coordinating air assault missions in arctic conditions.
His service also involved unique and sometimes perilous activities, such as rescuing downed fighter jets and participating in survival exercises that required living off the land. Additionally, Dabbs had encounters with Alaska's remarkable wildlife and historical relics of World War II. Reflecting on his military service, Dabbs expresses gratitude for his time in Alaska, despite the harsh conditions and frequent deployments, as it left him with unforgettable memories and lifelong stories to share.
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