USCG Base Astoria

• Historic Beginnings: USCG Base Astoria traces its roots back to 1849, when the U.S. Lighthouse Service established a presence at the mouth of the Columbia River, long before the Coast Guard itself was founded. • Strategic Location: Situated near the entrance to the Columbia River, Base Astoria oversees one of the most treacherous river bars in the world, known as the "Graveyard of the Pacific" due to the large number of shipwrecks. • World War II Service: During WWII, Astoria served as a key defense installation, supporting anti-submarine patrols and coastal defense, and was home to a seaplane base used for maritime reconnaissance. • Search and Rescue Legacy: The base has a long tradition of daring rescues, including saving mariners from sinking vessels and downed aircraft in the notoriously rough Pacific Northwest waters. • Home to the “Guardians of the Graveyard”: The Coast Guard crews stationed at Astoria are known for their expertise in navigating the dangerous Columbia River Bar, often risking their lives in severe weather. • Modern Missions: Today, USCG Base Astoria supports operations including search and rescue, law enforcement, marine environmental protection, and homeland security along the Oregon and Washington coasts. • Hollywood Connection: The base and its personnel were featured in the 2006 movie The Guardian, starring Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher, highlighting Coast Guard rescue swimmer training and missions. • Rescue Swimmer School: Base Astoria is adjacent to the Advanced Helicopter Rescue School, where elite Coast Guard rescue swimmers and aircrews receive advanced training in extreme conditions. • Community Partnership: The base is a vital part of the Astoria community, supporting local events and working closely with regional emergency responders and agencies. • Iconic Aircraft: USCG Base Astoria operates MH-60 Jayhawk helicopters, which are a common sight in the region and have been instrumental in countless high-profile rescues over land and sea.