
Crews tackled a series of mini scenarios ranging from lost hikers to an avalanche scenario. The exercise culminated with a mass-casualty event involving multiple agencies responding in concert to a scene with 28 survivors in distress.
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer Second Class Ian Gray.
SITKA, Alaska — The crews of Coast Guard Air Station Sitka, Coast Guard Cutter Bailey Barco (WPC 1122), Sitka Mountain Rescue, and Alaska Air National Guard 210th, 211th, and 212th Rescue Squadrons conducted a week-long search and rescue (SAREX) exercise near Sitka, April 30-May 2, 2024.
In a collaborative effort across land and water, multiple agencies joined forces to evaluate interagency communication, response plans, and responder actions during a series of simulated scenarios. This exercise aimed to enhance coordination and preparedness for potential emergencies.
«The SAREX 2024 enhanced collaboration among different organizations and first responders united by a shared objective of saving lives,” said Capt. Vincent Jansen, commanding officer of Coast Guard Air Station Sitka. “Ongoing cooperation and understanding of each other’s strengths are essential for overcoming potential challenges and during this SAREX we accomplished that. We are constantly humbled by our partner agencies and we look forward to hosting more training evolutions like this in the future.”
Each year, personnel from the Coast Guard 17th District engage in collaborative agency SAREXs throughout Alaska and the Aleutian Islands.
U.S. Coast Guard video by Petty Officer Second Class Ian Gray. U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Sitka.
U.S. Coast Guard Alaska.
Alaska Air National Guard.
210th Rescue Squadron.
211th Rescue Squadron.
212th Rescue Squadron.
U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area.
Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard. Department of Homeland Security.
U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).
Air National Guard.
National Guard.
The Coast Guard search and rescue program strives to decrease casualties, injuries, and property loss at sea, mitigate risks for responders, optimize resource allocation, and maintain a prominent role in maritime search and rescue effectiveness worldwide.
–USCG–
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Crews tackled a series of mini scenarios ranging from lost hikers to an avalanche scenario. The exercise culminated with a mass-casualty event involving multiple agencies responding in concert to a scene with 28 survivors in distress.
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer Second Class Ian Gray.

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer Second Class Ian Gray.