SAR’s Top Officer Gets Meritorious Service Medal

Capt. Michael Nortier, NAS Whidbey Island Commanding Officer, presented Cmdr. David D. Waner (right) the Meritorious Service Medal Jan. 28, 2016 for his accomplishments as the Officer in Charge of the base’s Search and Rescue (SAR) Unit from May 2013 to January 2016. During Waner’s tenure , SAR successfully attained 2,064 flight hours, 700 flight sorties and 70 SAR and medical evacuations. Additionally, Waner’s dedication to duty and sound management contributed to the base’s SAR Unit earning the Chief of Naval Operations SAR Model Manager’s 2014 Aviation Rescue Unit of the Year, as well as his Sailors obtaining Aircrew of the Year honors by both Naval Helicopter Association and the Association of Naval Aviation. Waner also strengthened community ties with regional and Canadian Rescues. Nortier presented the award on behalf of Rear Adm. Jeffery Ruth, Commander, Navy Region Northwest. (U.S. Navy photo by Tony Popp)