Air Station Los Angeles, California
Original Location:
Los Angeles International Airport
Current Location:
Same
Date of Commission:
15 November 1962
Fate:
Still in operation
Historical Remarks:
Coast Guard Air Station Los Angeles is located on the south side of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). It was founded in August 1962 through the combined efforts of the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Senator Thomas H. Kutchel, and U.S. Representative James Roosevelt as an Air Detachment with one HO4S from Air Station San Diego. The Air Station was officially commissioned on November 15, 1962 with two HO4S helicopters, nine officers and 20 enlisted personnel.
In May 1963, the unit switched to three HH-52A "Sea Guard" helicopters, which remained in service until November 1987. At that time the station transitioned to its current aircraft, three HH-65A "Dolphin" helicopters. The air station's operating area includes the coastal areas extending from the vicinity of Dana Point to the vicinity of Morro Bay, California and includes the Channel Islands. Fifteen officers and 45 enlisted personnel staff the air station.
Air Station Los Angeles maintains a Search and Rescue helicopter 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and is responsible for protecting the coastal area of Southern California from Dana Point to Morro Bay. On average, 200 SAR (search and rescue) cases are prosecuted every year. In addition to SAR, Air Station LA helicopters provide Homeland Security Patrols for the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, and Port Hueneme in Ventura County.
The Air Station responsibilities also include Law enforcement, Aids to Navigation, Environmental Response, and Military Operations. In addition, Air Station helicopters deploy to Coast Guard cutters. Of the many missions that Air Station Los Angeles participates in, Public Affairs offers the most unique opportunities. The air station’s proximity to several Hollywood production studios allows for many varying public affairs missions increasing public awareness of the roles the United States Coast Guard fulfills in protecting our shores and citizens.
Historic Photo Gallery
Original CGAS Los Angeles patch.
Historical Sources:
Air Station Files, U. S. Coast Guard Historian's Office.
Air Station Los Angeles Public Affairs Officer, LTJG Joshua C. P. Murphy.
Arthur Pearcy. A History of U. S. Coast Guard Aviation. Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, 1989.