Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod's history is rooted in the need for a more efficient and modern aviation facility within the Coast Guard's Northeast operations. Established on August 29, 1970, it resulted from the consolidation of Coast Guard Air Station Salem, Massachusetts, and the Coast Guard Air Detachment at Quonset Point, Rhode Island. This consolidation took place at what was then Otis Air Force Base, now part of Joint Base Cape Cod.
The move was driven by the limitations of the Salem facility and the Coast Guard's need for a space capable of accommodating evolving aircraft and expanding operational requirements. Air Station Cape Cod became the sole Coast Guard aviation facility in the Northeast, bearing responsibility for a vast area stretching from New Jersey to the Canadian border.
Throughout its history, the air station has played a crucial role in various Coast Guard missions, including search and rescue, law enforcement, homeland security, and maritime environmental protection. It has been involved in numerous high-profile rescue operations, demonstrating its vital role in safeguarding lives and property. The air station has also seen many aircraft changes, as technology has improved. From the HH-52A Sea Guard, and the HU-16E Albatross, to the current MH-60T Jayhawk helicopters and HC-144A Ocean Sentry fixed-wing aircraft. The air station has continually adapted to the needs of the Coast guard.
The move was driven by the limitations of the Salem facility and the Coast Guard's need for a space capable of accommodating evolving aircraft and expanding operational requirements. Air Station Cape Cod became the sole Coast Guard aviation facility in the Northeast, bearing responsibility for a vast area stretching from New Jersey to the Canadian border.
Throughout its history, the air station has played a crucial role in various Coast Guard missions, including search and rescue, law enforcement, homeland security, and maritime environmental protection. It has been involved in numerous high-profile rescue operations, demonstrating its vital role in safeguarding lives and property. The air station has also seen many aircraft changes, as technology has improved. From the HH-52A Sea Guard, and the HU-16E Albatross, to the current MH-60T Jayhawk helicopters and HC-144A Ocean Sentry fixed-wing aircraft. The air station has continually adapted to the needs of the Coast guard.
Six MH-60T Jayhawk helicopters have been painted yellow to celebrate 100 years of Coast Guard Aviation
Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod was commissioned on August 29, 1970. It was the coalition of CGAS Salem, MA and detachment Quonset Point, RI. It acquired the HH-3F from its Salem unit. I flew in the HH-3F, as a SAR Radio/Radioman/Aircrewman from July 10, 1970 through August 20, 1971 when I finished my enlistment. AT-2 William G. Shea Jr.
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Locations
| 1970- | KFMH FMH | Cape Cod Coast Guard Air Station |
Models
| 1970-1991 | HH-3F Pelican |
| 1970-1984 | HH-52A Sea Guard |
| 1990- | HH/MH-60 Jayhawk |