Present Day
In all, there are 17 active duty squadrons and 2 Ready Reserve squadrons currently based at NAS Whidbey Island. The air station also maintains a Search and Rescue Unit, flying three Sikorsky MH-60S Nighthawks. With the addition of the MH-60S, Navy Search and Rescue provides 24 day and night maritime, inland and mountainous rescue support for Department of Defense personnel and the greater Pacific Northwest community. The SAR Unit (360) 257-2681 provides 15 minute alert coverage Monday through Thursday from 0800-0200 or last plane on deck, Friday 0800-2200 or last plane on deck and 30 minute alert coverage at all others times of the year. Additionally, SAR has organic SAR Medical Technicians on all missions it performs. NASWI SAR primarily serves military aircrews, but missions aiding civilians in distress are often approved and executed.
Over 50 tenant commands are also located at NAS Whidbey Island, providing training, medical and dental, and other support services, including a Marine Aviation Training Support Group (MATSG) for Whidbey’s staff and student Marine Corps personnel. The base also continues its long-standing role as a center of activity for Naval Air Reserve operations and training in the region.
Read more about this topic: Naval Air Station Whidbey Island
Famous quotes related to present day:
“One of the most singular facts about the unwritten history of this country is the consummate ability with which Southern influence, Southern ideas and Southern ideals, have from the very beginning even up to the present day, dictated to and domineered over the brain and sinew of this nation.”
—Anna Julia Cooper (1859–1964)