ABOUT Air Station Sacramento
- Oldest Air Station on the West Coast: Coast Guard Air Station Sacramento is among the oldest continually operating Coast Guard air stations on the U.S. West Coast, originally established in 1978.
- Strategic Inland Location: Unlike most air stations located on the coast, Air Station Sacramento is situated inland at McClellan Airfield, providing unique access to both coastal and mountainous rescue zones.
- Hercules Fleet: The station operates a fleet of HC-27J Spartan aircraft, known for their versatility in search and rescue, law enforcement, and disaster response missions.
- Major Search and Rescue Role: Air Station Sacramento is responsible for an area covering over 73,000 square miles, from the Oregon border to San Diego and as far west as Hawaii.
- Transition to McClellan: After the closure of the original McClellan Air Force Base in 2001, the Coast Guard quickly adapted the facilities, ensuring uninterrupted mission capability.
- Support During Major Disasters: The Station has deployed crews and aircraft in response to wildfires, floods, and major earthquakes throughout California and the western U.S.
- Drug Interdiction Efforts: Air Station Sacramento plays a key role in counter-narcotics operations, helping intercept illegal drug shipments along the Pacific coast.
- International Partnerships: The station regularly participates in joint training and missions with Canadian and Mexican authorities to enhance cross-border maritime safety and security.
- Modernization: The transition from the older HU-25 Guardian jets to the more versatile HC-27J Spartan improved mission readiness and expanded operational capabilities.
- Community Involvement: Personnel from Air Station Sacramento actively engage in community events, educational outreach, and veteran support initiatives throughout Northern California.