The Naval Air Station Whidbey Search and Rescue (SAR) unit hosted a contingency of Whidbey Search Dogs on Dec. 11, 2014.  The organization is a component command of the Island County Sheriff’s Department Volunteer Program.

Both groups worked inside the SAR hangar when severe weather forced them to cancel the flight to the Survival Area, where they were originally scheduled to meet.

The training was held to give a group of new SAR volunteers and their dogs a basic safety brief highlighting Navy SAR operations, equipment and procedures to be aware of when working near a helicopter during a joint rescue operation.  There were approximately 15 visitors bringing at least 10 dogs of all different breeds to the hangar for the presentation.

Both groups walked away with a better understanding of each other’s capabilities and a clearer picture of how to communicate and safely work together, should the need arise.