Archive image: A rescue swimmer jumps from an MH-65E Dolphin helicopter during a search and rescue demonstration at the Port Angeles Maritime Festival, June 7, 2025.
The demonstration included a simulated rescue of a training dummy known as an “Oscar” near the downtown waterfront.
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Annika Hirschler.
SEATTLE. – The U.S., Canada and Japan Coast Guards conducted a trilateral search and rescue (SAR) exercise (SAREX) in the Strait of Juan de Fuca near Victoria, British Columbia on May 21, 2026.
The joint operation aimed to enhance interoperability, communication, and coordination among the three nations during complex maritime emergencies.
During the SAREX, crews responded to a simulated sailing vessel in distress, requiring multi-national coordination to locate, recover and transport mock casualties. The scenarios tested joint communication, search patterns execution, and the safe transfer of personnel between vessels from different nations.
Working alongside the Japan Coast Guard’s largest and most technically advanced training vessel, Itsukushima, the exercise yielded a unique opportunity to forge partnerships alongside future Japan Coast Guard officers. The crew of the Itsukushima collaborated with U.S. Coast Guard and Canadian Coast Guard personnel, exchanging best practices and strengthening the longstanding maritime partnership between the three Pacific Rim countries.
An MH-65E Dolphin SRR Helicopter from U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Port Angeles flies over Japan Coast Guard ship Itsukushima during a joint search and rescue exercise (SAREX) in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, May 21, 2026.
The U.S. Coast Guard, Japan Coast Guard and Canadian Coast Guard conducted a trilateral search and rescue exercise to enhance interoperability, communication, and coordination among the three nations during complex maritime emergencies.
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Briana Carter
“This exercise represents a critical opportunity for our nations to train together in the demanding environment of the Pacific Northwest,” said Douglas Samp, Coast Guard Pacific Area Search and Rescue Program Manager. “Search and Rescue is a universal language. By working deck-to-deck and in the air with our partners from Canada and Japan, we ensure that when a real emergency occurs, our combined response is swift, seamless, and effective.”
Participating units included:
- 45-foot Response Boat–Medium (RB-M) crew from Coast Guard Station Port Angeles
- Joint Rescue Coordination Center Victoria
- Motor Lifeboat Cape Calvert
- Canadian Coast Guard Ship Tanu
- Canadian Coast Guard Ship Legacy
- JCG Vessel Itsukushima
The conclusion of the successful SAR exercise demonstrated the ability of the three Coast Guards to collectively respond and effectively operate together in complex maritime emergencies.
The Japan Coast Guard and United States Coast Guard continue to strengthen our enduring partnership through SAPPHIRE; the Solid Alliance for Peace and Prosperity with Humanity and Integrity on the Rule-of-law based Engagement. SAPPHIRE embodies the integrity and shared values of both nations as we work seamlessly together to enhance maritime domain awareness, uphold international standards, and ensure a stable, free, and open maritime environment across the region.
–USCG–
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