USCG Air Detachment San Juan. P.R.

USCG Air Detachment San Juan. P.R. Homepage Photos Members

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Branch

U.S. Coast Guard

Members

About USCG Air Detachment San Juan. P.R.

The USCG Air Detachment San Juan, Puerto Rico, was established in 1971 to enhance the United States Coast Guard's operational reach across the Caribbean region. Initially equipped with HU-16E Albatross amphibious aircraft and HH-52A Seaguard helicopters, the unit played a pivotal role in search and rescue, law enforcement, and maritime patrol missions. Throughout its existence, the detachment responded to numerous emergencies, including hurricane relief operations and counter-narcotics efforts. In 1973, the unit was reorganized and expanded into Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen, continuing its legacy of critical service in the region.

Unit Members

Bruce Daniel

U.S. Coast Guard

USCG Air Detachment San Juan. P.R.View Profile

Henry Chun

U.S. Coast Guard

USCG Air Detachment San Juan. P.R.View Profile

Photos

USCG Station San Francisco, CA

USCG Station San Francisco, CA • U.S. Coast Guard • 1989

USCGC Point Brower Homeport San Diego CA

USCGC Point Brower (WPB-82372) • U.S. Coast Guard • 1986

USCGC Boutwell (WHEC-719)

USCGC Boutwell (WHEC-719) • U.S. Coast Guard • 1982

USCGC Campbell (WHEC-32)

U.S. Coast Guard • 1975

About USCG Air Detachment San Juan. P.R.

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Establishment: USCG Air Detachment San Juan was established in 1971 to provide enhanced search and rescue (SAR), law enforcement, and logistical support for the Caribbean region. • Strategic Location: Located at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, the detachment's position in Puerto Rico enables rapid response throughout the Caribbean, supporting both U.S. and allied interests. • Drug Interdiction: The unit has played a pivotal role in Operation Bahamas, Turks and Caicos (OPBAT) and other anti-drug operations, intercepting numerous drug smuggling attempts bound for the United States. • Hurricane Relief: USCG Air Detachment San Juan has been integral in disaster response, especially following hurricanes such as Hugo (1989), Georges (1998), and Maria (2017), providing lifesaving evacuations and supply deliveries. • Aircraft Evolution: Over the years, the unit has operated various aircraft, including the HH-52A Seaguard, HH-65 Dolphin, and currently the MH-60T Jayhawk helicopters, reflecting technological advancements in Coast Guard aviation. • Search and Rescue Excellence: The detachment averages over 300 SAR missions annually, rescuing mariners, aviators, and civilians from perilous situations at sea and in remote island locations. • Historic Missions: In 1980, aircrews from San Juan were instrumental in responding to the Mariel boatlift, rescuing Cuban refugees attempting the dangerous crossing to Florida. • Multi-National Cooperation: The unit regularly trains and operates with Caribbean and Latin American partners, enhancing regional maritime security and disaster preparedness. • Critical Medical Evacuations: Air Detachment San Juan routinely conducts urgent medevacs from cruise ships, remote islands, and commercial vessels, providing rapid access to medical care for the critically ill or injured. • Transition to Air Station Borinquen: In 1973, the detachment expanded and relocated to become USCG Air Station Borinquen at Aguadilla, but the San Juan detachment’s legacy remains a proud part of Coast Guard history in the Caribbean.