Mission Our primary mission is to be the first responder for the aircraft and personnel stationed at NAS Whidbey Island. Secondary to that, we also work closely with local agencies in order to be a responder to anyone in legitimate danger. SAR typically maintains either a 15-minute or a 30-minute alert posture in order to fulfill our mission.
Station Search and Rescue Whidbey is a one of a kind rescue unit. With a team consisting of 3 MH-60S helicopters, 10 pilots, 8 Rescue aircrewmen and 3 SAR Medical Technicians (SMT’s) we are the premier inland Navy Search and Rescue Unit. Our pilots and aircrew are highly trained in both overwater and mountain rescue including helicopter rappel, hoist and mountain landing. We can conduct day or night operations and have night vision goggle capability.