Air Station Clearwater

• Largest Coast Guard Air Station: Air Station Clearwater is the largest and busiest air station in the United States Coast Guard, covering a vast area of responsibility in the Southeastern US, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean. • Established in 1934: Originally commissioned as Coast Guard Air Station St. Petersburg in 1934, the unit relocated to Clearwater in 1976, expanding its operational capabilities. • Role in Drug Interdiction: Air Station Clearwater plays a key role in drug interdiction missions, frequently intercepting boats and aircraft smuggling illegal narcotics into the US. • Search and Rescue Prowess: The station conducts hundreds of search and rescue missions annually, often saving lives in hurricanes, boating accidents, and maritime emergencies. • MH-60 Jayhawk and HC-130 Hercules: The unit operates a fleet of MH-60T Jayhawk helicopters and HC-130H/J Hercules fixed-wing aircraft, enabling both medium-range rescue and long-range patrol missions. • Haitian Earthquake Response: Following the 2010 Haiti earthquake, Clearwater crews were among the first responders, delivering aid, evacuating injured, and providing critical logistical support. • Hurricane Evacuations and Relief: The station is a hub for hurricane response, including the evacuation of hospital patients from threatened areas and delivery of emergency relief supplies. • International Partnerships: Air Station Clearwater often works with partner nations in the Caribbean and Latin America, training local forces and supporting multinational operations. • Celebrity Appearances: The station and its personnel have been featured in media, including the television series "Coast Guard Florida," showcasing real-life rescues and operations. • Supporting NASA: Aircrews from Clearwater have supported NASA missions by providing search and rescue standby for space shuttle launches from Kennedy Space Center.