Seenotdienst
Videos
The Seenotdienst was a German military organization formed within the Luftwaffe to save downed airmen from emergency water landings. The Seenotdienst operated from 1935 to 1945 and was the first organized air-sea rescue service.
The German Seenotdienst operated 14 Heinkel He 59 floatplanes (like this Finnish Air Force example) as well as a variety of fast boats.
Some powerful Dornier Do 24 aircraft were captured in the Netherlands and fitted for rescue, and many more ordered.
Pillau, January 1945. Boats and aircraft of the Seenotdienst helped evacuate thousands of German citizens during the last four months of war.
Combat search and rescue
Videos
Combat search and rescue (CSAR) are search and rescue operations that are carried out during war that are within or near combat zones.
An HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter comes in for a landing during a combat rescue training exercise.
Richard Bell-Davies conducted the first combat S&R mission in his aircraft during the First World War.
A Sikorsky HH-53B refueling during the Vietnam War.
Pararescuemen return with a downed pilot from a successful rescue mission in southern Iraq (2003).