Alaska to send National Guard troops along US-Mexico border

JUNEAU, Alaska — Alaska will send 10 National Guard members for aerial patrol operations along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy said the state will send the soldiers from an aviation unit for a six-month deployment beginning April 1.

Dunleavy's office says the soldiers will focus efforts in Arizona, near the border. The deployment comes following a request for volunteers through the National Guard Bureau.

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The soldiers will include helicopter pilots, crew chiefs, aircraft maintenance and support personnel. They will fly and maintain aircraft in Arizona brought in by Guard units in other states.

Dunleavy previously offered President Donald Trump the use of the Alaska National Guard to patrol the border.

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By Tara Copp, AP

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Alaska to send National Guard troops along US-Mexico border

Alaska will send 10 National Guard members for aerial patrol operations along the U.S.-Mexico border.

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