US Coast Guard opens new Californian air station
The base will be used for a range of operations including search and rescue (SAR), emergency response, and law enforcement
The base, known as Air Station Ventura, will house three MH-60 Jayhawk helicopters and around 100 personnel. It is situated at Naval Base Ventura County, Point Mugu, in southern California.
The air station features a 48,000ft2 (4,459m2) hangar, as well as a 12,000ft2 administration facility.
The US Coast Guard (USCG) said the facility would serve a “crucial” role in protecting the maritime region between Orange County and San Luis Obispo County, which includes major ports such as Los Angeles and Long Beach.
The three MH-60 Jayhawks will conduct a range of mission types across this region, including emergency response, SAR, drug and migrant interdiction, law enforcement, and marine safety and environmental protection.
“This new station offers ready resources that provide safety and security to the maritime community,” said Rear Admiral Joseph Buzzella, Commander of Coast Guard District Eleven. “This is a monumental day for the aircrews and for the community in which they serve.”
USCG recently awarded a five-year hoist training contract to Priority 1 Air Rescue.
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca is a Junior Editor at AirMed&Rescue. He was previously a News and Features Journalist for the rail magazine IRJ until 2021, and studied MA Magazine Journalism at Cardiff University. His favourite helicopter is the AW169 – the workhorse of the UK air ambulance sector! He also led the creation of Waypoint: The AirMed&Rescue podcast, serving as its Production Editor and co-host.