About this Unit
Coast Guard Air Station Sitka, established in 1977, is located on Baranof Island in Southeast Alaska. The unit was commissioned to provide search and rescue, law enforcement, and environmental protection missions across the challenging maritime environment of the Alaska panhandle. Operating primarily MH-60T Jayhawk helicopters, the air station responds to emergencies in one of the most rugged and remote regions of the United States. Over the decades, USCG Air Station Sitka has earned a reputation for its professionalism and vital role in safeguarding lives and supporting the maritime community of Alaska.
Historical Facts
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Establishment: USCG Air Station Sitka was officially commissioned on March 17, 1977, and has played a critical role in search and rescue (SAR) operations throughout Alaska’s rugged southeast coastline ever since.
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Strategic Location: Located on Japonski Island in Sitka, Alaska, the Air Station provides rapid SAR, law enforcement, and environmental protection coverage for more than 180,000 square miles of water and coastline.
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Challenging Weather: The region is notorious for unpredictable and severe weather, making Sitka one of the most challenging flying environments for helicopter crews in the Coast Guard.
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Helicopter Fleet: The station operates MH-60T Jayhawk helicopters, which are specially equipped for SAR missions in harsh Alaskan conditions, including de-icing capabilities.
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Rescue Record: Air Station Sitka conducts over 150 search and rescue missions annually, often saving mariners, fishermen, and hikers in distress in the isolated and treacherous Alaskan wilderness.
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Historic Rescues: In 2008, Sitka crews were nationally recognized for rescuing six crew members from the fishing vessel Katmai during a violent Bering Sea storm, an operation that drew widespread acclaim.
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Wildlife and Environment Protection: The station supports environmental protection, responding to oil spills and monitoring illegal fishing, and has participated in responses to incidents involving whales and other marine wildlife.
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Community Ties: Sitka air crews regularly assist local communities with medevacs, disaster response, and supply drops to remote villages inaccessible by road.
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Training and Readiness: Due to the demanding environment, Air Station Sitka is renowned for its rigorous training, including night flying, hoist operations, and survival skills in wilderness and at sea.
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Cultural Impact: The Air Station and its daring rescues have been featured in various documentaries and television programs, highlighting the heroism and skill of its crews in one of the world’s most challenging operational areas.
