Which two organizations are responsible for the physical search in the contiguous US and maritime regions?

The correct answer highlights the roles of the US Coast Guard and the US Air Force in conducting search operations in both the contiguous United States and maritime areas. The US Coast Guard is primarily tasked with maritime security, search and rescue operations, and enforcing maritime law. They have the necessary resources and training to conduct physical searches in water and along coastlines, making them a key player in maritime search operations.

The US Air Force complements these efforts by providing aerial support for search and rescue missions. With their advanced aircraft and expertise in aerial operations, the Air Force can cover larger areas more quickly, thereby enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of search missions. Together, these two organizations coordinate their resources and expertise to ensure that search and rescue operations are conducted comprehensively and effectively across both land and maritime environments.

Other options, while mentioning organizations with related missions, do not accurately represent the specific entities responsible for physical searches in these regions. For instance, the US Army is primarily focused on ground operations, while the Federal Aviation Administration manages civil aviation regulations rather than search and rescue. The National Guard may provide assistance but is not primarily responsible for the national search and rescue efforts in the same capacity as the US Coast Guard and the US Air Force.