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

platform. Also of use for SAR are carrier-based antisubmarine
warfare (ASW) (S-3 Viking) and early warning fixedwing
(E-2 Hawkeye) aircraft. The primary SAR helicopter for
visual conditions is the HH-46A, and the SH-3 Sea King is an
excellent all-weather SAR helicopter. The SH-2 Sea Sprite,
carried on some cruisers and destroyers, can also be used.
The endurance of these helicopters can be increased if used
with ships having helicopter refueling facilities. Specialpurpose
aircraft, similar to those operated by the Air Force,
are also available.
2. Vessels most often used for SAR are destroyers (DD) and fast
frigates (FF) for surface search, aircraft carriers for air
search, and submarines, salvage vessels, and oceanographic
vessels for subsurface search. Destroyers and fast frigates
are comparable to Coast Guard WHECs in operational
capabilities and equipment for SAR missions, and many can
refuel a hovering helicopter equipped to receive a fueling
hose. Shipboard Aviation Facilities Resume, NAEC-ENG-7576,
describes helicopter refueling capabilities.
3. Boats, such as crash-rescue boats, patrol craft, patrol
torpedo boats, and river craft, may be used for sheltered or
semisheltered water surface search. They are most effective
in rescuing personnel from the water.
4. Navy "salvage" units may salvage public and private vessels,
and claim reimbursement for such operations. Navy policy is
to assist in the salvage of non-Navy shipping when such
assistance is requested, and where adequate privately owned
salvage facilities are not available. Seagoing tugs or
salvage vessels may be deployed for salvage missions. Stocks
of salvage equipment and material suitable for airlifting are
also maintained.
5. Pararescue units are located in isolated areas, such as the
Antarctic. Also, underwater demolition and sea-air-land
(UDT/SEAL) teams are qualified in parachuting, underwater
swimming, survival, and demolition. Each UDT/SEAL team
normally has at least one member highly trained in advanced
emergency medical care.
6. A Movement Reporting System monitors Navy vessel positions
worldwide. If an SMC wants to find a suitable Navy ship for
an oceanic SAR mission, the appropriate fleet commander can be
queried, via Contact Area Summary Position Report (CASPER),
for Navy vessels in the area. Navy vessel movements are
classified and will not normally be released. While
individual vessel data may be provided, the information
source, code words, departure points, and destinations are not
revealed.
7. Sound Fixing and Ranging (SOFAR) nets can pinpoint the