Both units are assigned to the 354th Fighter Wing here. Having never performed search and rescue meant the F-16 pilots had to be quickly trained. Flying CSAR is non-structured.
Every rescue is different, so there is never one script to follow.
Making the mental change from check list-type flying is difficult, but the guys did a great job in learning this mission. Scott Gierat, 18th FS weapons officer. It was definitely a team effort getting the pilots ready to go. Search and rescue is like an art form. Ninety percent of the mission is command and control and learning how not to compromise the position of the downed service member.