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History of Air Station Clearwater

Air Station Clearwater, located in Clearwater, Florida, is the largest United States Coast Guard air station. Established in 1934 as part of the Coast Guard Air Patrol Detachment, it was initially based at Albert Whitted Airport before moving to its current location at St. Petersburg–Clearwater International Airport in 1976. The station operates a fleet of HC-130 Hercules fixed-wing aircraft and MH-60 Jayhawk helicopters, providing search and rescue, law enforcement, and disaster response across the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and southeastern United States. Air Station Clearwater has played a vital role in numerous high-profile missions, including hurricane response operations and migrant interdiction efforts.

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ABOUT 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.

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