Air Station Corpus Christi celebrates 60 years of Coast Guard aviation at Naval Air Station

A HU-16 Aircraft flies over Corpus Christi, Texas in 1964. USCG photo.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi celebrated 60 years of service at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi at Wings Auditorium, Wednesday.

The Coast Guard established Air Detachment Corpus Christi November 20, 1950.  On October 15, 1980, the name was changed to Air Station Corpus Christi. At that time, the air station operated between Port O’Connor and the Mexican border. The Air Station maintained a 24-hour capability to respond to incidents using both the an HH-52A helicopter or an HU-25A fan jet, and was able to respond to over 400 cases per year.

The air craft represented at Air Station Corpus Christi are the HU-25 Falcon Jet and the HH-65C Dolphin Helicopter

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - An aerial view of Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi circa 1966. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

An aerial view of Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi circa 1966.USCG Photo

In 2010, the air station and Sector Corpus Christi personnel:

  • Conduct more than 450 search and rescue cases
  • Assist more than 591 persons in distress
  • Save 83 lives
  • Save $3 million in property
  • Seize more than 5,500 lbs. of illegal substances
  • Maintain 1,300 aids to navigation
  • Manage the safe arrival of  2,700 commercial vessels
  • Conduct 900 visits to facilities
  • Investigate 230 marine-related incidents
  • Perform 375 vessel inspections
  • Provide support for 37 Coast Guard cutters and small boats in the Atlantic Area fleet

“The Coast Guard has enjoyed six decades of close relationships with the United StatesNavy and the citizens of South Texas. We look forward to many more years of continued service in this exciting environment,” said Capt. John Pasch, commanding officer of Air Station Corpus Christi.

The Coast Guard celebrated with a cake and a catered lunch following the ceremony.


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