Coast Guard Air Station Salem, located on Winter Island in Salem, Massachusetts, played a significant role in maritime safety and security from 1935 to 1970. Its establishment stemmed from the need for expanded aviation facilities, as the existing station in Gloucester had reached its capacity.
Initially, the station focused on search and rescue operations, law enforcement, and various other duties, including assisting icebound communities and conducting aerial surveys. During World War II, its mission expanded to include anti-submarine patrols, contributing to the nation's defense. Notably, in 1944, it became the first Air-Sea Rescue station on the East Coast.
Throughout its operational years, Coast Guard Air Station Salem adapted to evolving technologies, transitioning from seaplanes to helicopters. The introduction of amphibious helicopters, particularly the Sikorsky HH-52A, reduced the reliance on seaplanes and ultimately led to the station's closure. As the need for dedicated seaplane bases diminished, the station was decommissioned in 1970, with its functions transferring to Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod .
Today, the remnants of Coast Guard Air Station Salem are part of Salem's Winter Island Marine Park, serving as a reminder of its vital contributions to maritime history.
Initially, the station focused on search and rescue operations, law enforcement, and various other duties, including assisting icebound communities and conducting aerial surveys. During World War II, its mission expanded to include anti-submarine patrols, contributing to the nation's defense. Notably, in 1944, it became the first Air-Sea Rescue station on the East Coast.
Throughout its operational years, Coast Guard Air Station Salem adapted to evolving technologies, transitioning from seaplanes to helicopters. The introduction of amphibious helicopters, particularly the Sikorsky HH-52A, reduced the reliance on seaplanes and ultimately led to the station's closure. As the need for dedicated seaplane bases diminished, the station was decommissioned in 1970, with its functions transferring to Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod .
Today, the remnants of Coast Guard Air Station Salem are part of Salem's Winter Island Marine Park, serving as a reminder of its vital contributions to maritime history.
1964-1967 I was stationed at Salem, and in '65 went to their detachment CGAD Quonset Point, RI. Flew in the HH-52 and Grumman Albatross HU-16E
1964-1968 I was in the Coast Guard stationed in Salem and flew on the HH-52As and Grumman HU-16Es. I was Aviation Electrician.
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Models Coast Guard Air Station Salem List of helicopters |
| C/N | Version | Built | In this Org | In other Org | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 62-021 | hh-52a | 1962 | 1352 : Sikorsky S-62C c/n 62-021, ff ~1962; del USCG as HH-52A Seaguard 1352, Sal+ | ||||
| 62-022 w/o 1981 | hh-52a | 1963 | 1353 : Sikorsky S-62C c/n 62-022, ff?; del USCG as HH-52A Seaguard 1353, Salem, O+ | ||||
| 62-023 w/o 1963 | hh-52a | 1963 | 1354 : Sikorsky S-62C c/n 62-023, ff?; del USCG as HH-52A Seaguard 1354, Salem, O+ | ||||
| 62-024 | hh-52a | 1963 | 1355 : Sikorsky S-62C c/n 62-024, ff?; del USCG as HH-52A Seaguard 1355, Salem, O+ | ||||
| 62-025 | hh-52a | 1963 | 1356 : del 25 Jan 1963, from Sikorsky plant to CGAS Salem, MA | ||||
| 62-039 w/o 1982 | hh-52a | 1963 | 1362 : Sikorsky S-62C c/n 62-039, ff?; del USCG as HH-52A Seaguard 1362, Salem, M+ : 7 Nov 1964, operating from CGAS Salem supplied additional firefighting foa+ | ||||
| 62-113 | hh-52a | 1967 | 1425 : Sikorsky S-62C c/n 62-113, ff?; del USCG as HH-52A Seaguard 1425, Salem CG+ | ||||
| 61-633 | hh-3f | 1969 | 1471 : USCG HH-3F;
I was A/C on 1471 when delivered from Sikorsky to CGAS Salem+ | ||||
| 61-634 w/o 2000 | hh-3f | 1969 | 1472 : USCG HH-3F;
delivered from Sikorsky to CGAS Salem | - N500XL | |||
