JP 3-50 National Search and Rescue Manual Vol I - US Navy

information, such as high-wing vs. low-wing aircraft, to allow the SMC
to confirm the accuracy of reports.
1310 SAR MISSION INFORMATION ORGANIZATION
The information organization for a SAR mission may consist of a SAR
Mission Information Officer (SMIO), journalists, and photographers.
A. The SMIO coordinates and releases news concerning a SAR
mission. If an SMIO is not assigned, the SMC performs those duties.
1. The SMIO should have a knowledge both of SAR and of the
techniques for presenting public information. Major military
commands that may be assigned SMC responsibilities usually
have a staff public information officer serve as SMIO.
2. SMIO authority is derived from SMC authority. Service
directives govern whether the SMIO is authorized to release
mission information without approval of higher authority.
3. SMIOs impartially collect, prepare, and pass out information
concerning a SAR mission to news media and members of the
public. To perform this function, an SMIO should:
a. Collect mission information from the SMC, RCC
operations log, SAR operations log, SAR mission log, and
interviews with rescued personnel.
b. Establish early liaison with news media to prevent
the SMC from being flooded with
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