A yellow MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter arrives at Coast Guard Sector San Diego in celebration of 100 years of Coast Guard aviation on July 21, 2016. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Joel Guzman)
SAN DIEGO – Coast Guard Sector San Diego now has a new yellow-painted MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter in celebration of the centennial of Coast Guard aviation.
The Jayhawk helicopter is one of six specially painted Coast Guard MH-60s donning the chrome yellow paint scheme that Coast Guard and Navy helicopters used in the late 1940s and early 1950s.
The helicopter was delivered from Coast Guard Aviation Logistics Center in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, and it will replace one of the existing Jayhawks currently at the Sector.
Altogether, three different Coast Guard aircraft types, 16 in total, including the Jayhawk and Dolphin helicopters as well as the HC-144 Ocean Sentry airplane, are receiving historic paint schemes representing various eras of Coast Guard aviation.
Coast Guard aviation officially began April 1, 1916 when 3rd Lt. Elmer Stone reported to flight training in Pensacola, Florida. Stone later went on to lead the creation of the air detachment which is now part of Sector San Diego.
“This helicopter is more than just a new coat of paint,” said Capt. Joseph Buzzella, Sector Commander and Captain of the Port. “It flies as a reminder of our long and proud history which reflects not only 100 years of aviation, but also demonstrates the pride of our air crews as we continue to protect the mariners in San Diego and throughout Southern California.”
The Coast Guard is celebrating the centennial of Coast Guard aviation throughout 2016, with a variety of activities honoring the accomplishments and sacrifices of the men and women throughout the past 100 years.
