| Coast Guard Air Station Sitka, is manned by 20
officers and 100 enlisted personnel. The station’s area
of responsibility extends throughout the "gateway"
of what is called America’s "last frontier"——more
than 500 miles from Dixon Entrance to Cordova. Rapid development
and expanding coastal communities are characteristic of Southeast
Alaska. Air Station Sitka’s 3 HH-3F’s log an annual
average of 2100 hours. These Sikorsky—built helicopters
carry a standard crew of four, comprised of a pilot, co-pilot,
flight mechanic, and radioman, and seats for seven passengers.
The helicopters cruise at 120 knots and can carry fuel for five
and one-half hours.
In a "ready" status 24 hours a day for search and
rescue along the rugged coastline and "inside" passage.
Additionally, the aircraft are often utilized for medevacs
from outlying native communities and logging camps.
The first Coast Guard Air Station in Alaska’s windy,
cold, and rain swept Southeastern panhandle was established
on Annette Island in March 1944. In 1977 the Coast Guard Air
Station was relocated from Annette Island to Sitka, Alaska
which was more centrally located in the Southeastern Alaska
operating area. View Coast Guard Photo
Collection >>
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