New Coast Guard aircraft now operating out of Air Station Cape Cod

BOSTON — Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod’s new fixed wing aircraft, the HC-144 Ocean Sentry, is fully operational and replaced the HU-25 Falcon on Jan. 24, 2013.

The HU-25 Falcon has been the primary fixed-wing aircraft for more than 30 years providing search and rescue, law enforcement, medical transportation and other services to the Northeast. The HU-25 Falcon will be officially retired from Air Station Cape Cod later this year.

The HC-144 Ocean Sentry, received by Air Station Cape Cod in August 2012, is a more efficient platform with the ability remain in the air for a greater amount of time. The radar and imagery sensors represent the latest in technologies and the added cargo ramp increases the amount of gear and supplies that can be air-dropped to a vessel or persons in distress.

Air Station Cape Cod will receive an additional HC-144 Ocean Sentry this summer.

“We are extremely excited to serve the public with the HC-144 Ocean Sentry,” said Lt. Dan Cloonan, Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod’s public affairs officer. “It is a very capable aircraft and will be able to respond to the numerous missions the Coast Guard performs.”

The Coast Guard in the Northeast performs 2,500 search and rescue cases each year and protects more than 2,000 miles of shoreline. Air Station Cape Cod is the sole air unit for the region, performing essential missions including search and rescue, law enforcement, and homeland security.

Pilot Lt. Julian Middleton inspects the HC-144 Ocean Sentry before a flight on Air Station Cape Cod, Aug. 21, 2013. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Ross Ruddell

The three different types of aircraft that support Air Station Cape Cod’s mission stand ready to launch in the new HC-144 hanger Sept. 27, 2012. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Lt. J.g. Jared Carbajal.