About this Unit
USCG Station Clearwater, located in Clearwater, Florida, was established in 1977 to address the growing need for maritime safety and law enforcement in the Gulf of Mexico and surrounding waters. As one of the largest Coast Guard air stations in the United States, it plays a crucial role in search and rescue (SAR), migrant interdiction, and counter-narcotics operations. The station operates a fleet of HC-130 Hercules aircraft and MH-60 Jayhawk helicopters, providing rapid response capabilities along Florida’s west coast and the Caribbean. Over the decades, USCG Station Clearwater has earned recognition for its lifesaving missions and vital contributions to homeland security.
Historical Facts
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Largest Air Station in the Coast Guard: USCG Air Station Clearwater is the largest air station in the United States Coast Guard, covering over 40 acres and serving as a hub for aviation missions in the region.
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Established in 1934: The station traces its roots back to 1934, originally operating out of Albert Whitted Airport in St. Petersburg before moving to its current location at St. Petersburg–Clearwater International Airport in 1976.
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Home to Multiple Aircraft Types: The unit operates both fixed-wing HC-130 Hercules aircraft and MH-60 Jayhawk helicopters, enabling a wide range of missions including search and rescue, law enforcement, and logistics.
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Key Role in Cuban and Haitian Migration Crises: Air Station Clearwater played a vital role during the 1980 and 1994 mass migration events, rescuing thousands of Cuban and Haitian migrants attempting to reach the U.S. by sea.
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Hurricane Response: The station is a critical asset for hurricane response operations, providing rapid deployment of rescue teams and supplies during disasters like Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Irma.
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Drug Interdiction Missions: Clearwater crews frequently deploy to the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, intercepting drug traffickers and seizing tons of illegal narcotics each year.
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International Partnerships: The unit regularly supports U.S. Southern Command and collaborates with partner nations in the Caribbean and Central America for search and rescue and counter-narcotics missions.
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24/7 Search and Rescue: USCG Air Station Clearwater stands ready around the clock, conducting hundreds of search and rescue missions annually, saving lives of mariners, boaters, and aviators in distress.
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Distinguished Awards: The station and its personnel have received numerous commendations, including Coast Guard Unit Commendations and the Humanitarian Service Medal for their lifesaving efforts.
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Community Engagement: The unit is a fixture in the Tampa Bay area, hosting open houses, participating in air shows, and engaging with local schools and civic organizations to promote maritime safety and Coast Guard missions.
