HH-60 JAYHAWK - U.S. Coast guard photo

SITKA, AK (Dec.11, 2006)--A HH-60 Jay Hawk crew from Coast Guard Air Station Sitka, conducts a training flight, as seen here. Search and Rescue (SAR) is one of the Coast Guard's oldest missions. Minimizing the loss of life, injury, property damage or loss by rendering aid to persons in distress and property in the maritime environment has always been a Coast Guard priority. Coast Guard SAR response involves multi-mission stations, cutters, aircraft and boats linked by communications networks. Training is often conducted to keep the Coast Guard's crews ready for when duty calls. USCG photo by AET1 William Greer