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

physical training, skill in communications and survival, leadership, and
familiarization with the locale and terrain.
C. Air Force pararescuemen are highly trained land SAR personnel
and the first considered for supervision of ground search teams.
Specialized teams such as Army, Navy, and Air Force explosive ordnance
disposal (EOD) teams, Navy sea-air-land (SEAL) teams, or CAP ranger
teams should be considered next.
D. Nonmilitary governmental SAR teams, such as those of county
sheriffs, and United States Forest and National Park Services are
normally also well qualified. Privately organized, amateur rescue teams
active in land SAR exist nationwide. Volunteers may be used for land
search missions if appropriate equipment and supervision are provided.
Chapter 8 provides guidance for land SRU use.
234 Primary Federal SAR Resources
The principal Federal SAR resources are maintained by the Coast
Guard, other Armed Services, the FAA, and the FCC. Each SAR Coordinator
establishes procedures for alerting and using SAR area or regional
resources. Generally, use of any resource is arranged by contact
between the RCC and the parent agency. Primary SAR resources are
described below, by agency.
A. The Coast Guard maintains a wide variety of SAR resources,
primarily dedicated to maritime SAR throughout the United States and its
territories. Coast Guard operations are supported by an extensive
communications network of coastal radio stations, specialized land-line
circuits, and communications centers, all guided by RCCs. Primary
resources include:
1. Aircraft, the long-range HC-130 and medium-range HU-25 fixedwing
and HH-3, and HH-65 helicopters.
2. Cutters, classified as high-endurance cutters (WHECs), mediumendurance
cutters (WMECs), and patrol boats (WPBs), along with
buoy tenders, icebreakers, and harbor tugs.
a. WHECs, 378 feet in length, are capable of sustained
search operations at sea without replenishment for
approximately 30 days. They are equipped with helicopter
flight decks and support equipment for servicing helicopters
at sea, and have air and surface search radar,
"Identification, Friend or Foe" (IFF) interrogator and
transponder, DF, sonar, and oceanographic equipment.
b. WMECs, 180 to 270 feet in length, are capable of
sustained operations and usually have surface search radar,
IFF interrogator and transponder, and DF. WMECs 210 and 270
feet in length are equipped with helicopter flight decks and
support facilities for servicing helicopters. Replenishment
of supplies and refueling can extend WHEC and WMEC endurance.