Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco MH-65 Dolphin helicopter file photo by Lt. Matthew Udkow
ALAMEDA, Calif. — Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco personnel reached their 100th life saved in 2017, Nov. 12, when they medevaced a fisherman near Pescadero Point.
“I am extremely proud of the hard work, training and dedication of the men and women of Air Station San Francisco,” said Capt. Kent Everingham, Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco commander. “Every life saved or assisted is rewarding, but recording 100 lives this year helps our crews see the importance and results of their efforts. We are honored to serve the people of California and the maritime community and we urge everyone to remain vigilant and safe while on or around the water.”
Air Station San Francisco is home to six MH-65 Dolphin helicopters and approximately 160 personnel. The unit’s primary response area is from Mendocino/Sonoma county line to the Orange/San Diego county line. Since the closing of Coast Guard Air Station Los Angeles in May of 2016, Air Station San Francisco has also operated two Dolphin helicopters and crews out of Coast Guard Forward Operating Base Pt. Mugu, providing coverage for the greater Los Angeles area. The FOB will operate until a planned permanent replacement for Air Station Los Angeles is completed.
Air Station San Francisco’s missions include search and rescue, law enforcement, homeland security and maritime environmental protection.
Air Stations Los Angeles and San Francisco each averaged between 50 to 60 lives saved annually in recent years.
The air station was completed Feb. 15, 1941.
