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THANK YOU
SAREX24 was a massive undertaking by all the personnel involved. It required the close coordination of multiple assets from different units, including helicopters, fixed wing and maritime assets. The US Coast Guard, US Air Force and their civilian partners worked seemlessly together to prepare for several real-world scenarios, to learn from each other and to hone their skills for the day when their expertise is called upon to save lives.
All participants were unanimous that the training was very effective. The lessons learned during the exercise have certainly translated into real-world results as these crews went back to their units and air stations and relayed what they learned to their colleagues, which in turn is utlized in actual rescue operations. SAREX24 was the epitome of the Coast Guard motto, Semper Paratus - "Always Ready" and the USAF Rescue Squadron's motto "These things we do...That others may live."
APJ extends a very special thank you to LCDR Wryan Webb. LCDR Webb has been a great friend to APJ, is an amazing pilot and a gifted photographer and we look forward to working with him again in the future.
We'd also like to thank Sitka's Commanding Officer Captain Vincent Jansen, Commander Rand Semke (USCG), Lt. Colonel Allan Sain (USAF), Major Daniel Warren (USAF) and PO3 Ian Gray (USCG) and all of the men and women of USCG Air Station Sitka for being incredible hosts and welcoming us into their home.