For most Whidbey Island residents, the sight of the Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Search and Rescue helicopter flying the skies is a familiar one.

These SAR sailors know their stuff, and had a chance to show it off during two rescue demonstrations at Saturday’s Centennial of Naval Aviation. They even impressed fellow sailors.

Just ask Lt. Shane Jones, who, with his sons, Dominic, Austin and Dakota, witnessed the SAR demonstration last Saturday at the Centennial of Naval Aviation at Ault Field on Naval Air Station Whidbey.

“We thought it was pretty awesome,” said Jones, who admitted he may be a little bit biased since he’s attached to the SAR unit himself.

“We’re really looking forward to viewing the SAR over-water rescue that’s taking place on the Seaplane base later today – we’ll be heading over there to watch that, too.”

With crowds of people watching, the SAR helicopter hovered over the tarmac, dropped a line, and lowered a crew member down in the simulated rescue event.

Aviation Machinist’s Mate First Class, Sandra Sadler, was among the spectators.

“It was neat to see this,” said Sadler. “Being in the Navy, I’ve witnessed this type of demonstration before, but I am excited knowing that it’s a fun thing for the public to see — they don’t get to see this sort of event a lot.”

The SAR chopper, an MH-60S Knighthawk, headed over to the Seaplane Base at noon and proceeded to wow an albeit smaller, but still enthusiastic, crowd of onlookers and the crew demonstrated their rescue skills over water.

The SAR team even has its own mascot. SAR bear made several appearances around the base Saturday, greeting children, posing for pictures and  showing off a few moves with the team from a local fitness center.