The Don Englebreston Collection

Pilot in Flight Gear Beside Armed A-1 Skyraider on SAR Alert Status, Southeast Asia

Pilot in Flight Gear Beside Armed A-1 Skyraider on SAR Alert Status, Southeast Asia

An Air Force pilot stands ready beside an armed A-1 Skyraider designated for Search-and-Rescue (SAR) alert duty. Skyraiders on SAR alert, flown under the callsign 'Sandy,' stood by to launch at a moment's notice to escort rescue helicopters and suppress enemy fire during recovery of downed American aircrew — one of the most demanding and celebrated missions of the Vietnam War. Project: 218950