History of Coast Guard Aviation
Coast Guard Aviation has a proud history dating back over a century. From its earliest days flying seaplanes to today's sophisticated helicopter rescue operations, Coast Guard aviators have continuously adapted to meet the nation's maritime needs.
Timeline
1916 - First Coast Guard Aviator
Third Lieutenant Elmer F. Stone becomes the first Coast Guard aviator, receiving Naval Aviator designation #38. Stone would later pilot the NC-4 on the first transatlantic flight in 1919.
1920 - First Air Station
The first Coast Guard air station is established at Morehead City, North Carolina, using Curtiss HS-2L flying boats for patrol and rescue missions.
1926 - Rum Patrol
During Prohibition, Coast Guard aircraft patrol the coast searching for rum runners. Aviation proves invaluable for spotting smuggling vessels.
1934 - Air Stations Expand
New air stations open at Cape May, New Jersey; Salem, Massachusetts; and other locations. The fleet grows to include amphibious aircraft.
1939-1945 - World War II
Coast Guard aviation expands dramatically during WWII. Pilots conduct anti-submarine patrols, convoy escort, and rescue operations. At peak strength, the Coast Guard operates over 200 aircraft.
1944 - First Helicopter Rescue
On January 3, 1944, Commander Frank Erickson pilots a Sikorsky HNS-1 helicopter to deliver blood plasma to survivors of a destroyer explosion at Sandy Hook, NJ - the first use of a helicopter for a Coast Guard rescue mission.
1946 - Helicopter Program Established
The Coast Guard establishes a permanent helicopter program at Floyd Bennett Field, New York, recognizing the potential of rotary-wing aircraft for search and rescue.
1952 - HO4S Helicopter Enters Service
The Sikorsky HO4S becomes the Coast Guard's first true rescue helicopter, capable of hoisting survivors from the water.
1959 - Rescue Swimmer Program Proposed
Following several cases where survivors could not be reached by hoist, discussions begin about developing an airborne rescue swimmer capability.
1963 - HH-52A Seaguard
The amphibious HH-52A Seaguard enters service, becoming the standard Coast Guard helicopter for two decades. It could land on water to rescue survivors.
1973 - First Female Aviator
Lieutenant (j.g.) Janna Lambine becomes the first female Coast Guard aviator.
1984 - AST Rating Established
The Aviation Survival Technician (AST) rating is officially established, creating the Coast Guard's elite rescue swimmers. The motto "So Others May Live" is adopted.
1984 - HH-65 Dolphin Introduced
The HH-65A Dolphin replaces the HH-52A as the Coast Guard's short-range recovery helicopter.
1990 - HH-60J Jayhawk Introduced
The HH-60J Jayhawk enters service as the medium-range recovery helicopter, dramatically improving offshore rescue capability.
2005 - Hurricane Katrina
Coast Guard aviation conducts the largest search and rescue operation in U.S. history, rescuing over 33,000 people from flooded areas around New Orleans.
2010 - Deepwater Horizon
Coast Guard aircraft respond to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, conducting surveillance, directing response vessels, and performing rescue operations.
2014-Present - Fleet Modernization
MH-60T and MH-65 upgrade programs continue. HC-130J Super Hercules replaces older C-130s. New capabilities are integrated across the fleet.
Historic Aircraft
| Aircraft | Years in Service | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Curtiss HS-2L | 1920-1926 | First Coast Guard aircraft type |
| Grumman JRF Goose | 1939-1950s | WWII patrol and rescue |
| PBY Catalina | 1941-1945 | WWII anti-submarine patrol |
| Sikorsky HNS-1 | 1944-1946 | First CG helicopter |
| HH-52A Seaguard | 1963-1989 | 15,000+ lives saved |
| HH-3F Pelican | 1968-1994 | Long-range rescue helicopter |
| HC-130H Hercules | 1968-2020s | Long-range surveillance |