Isn’t it fascinating how this seemingly ordinary airfield holds a treasure trove of history? This is the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station San Diego. It stands adjacent to San Diego International Airport. The Coast Guard Air Station San Diego has a rich past. Its story is filled with daring rescues and crucial maritime support.
Let’s step back to December 11, 1935. The City of San Diego and the U.S. Government struck a deal. The city provided 23 acres of tideland for a Coast Guard Air Station. This was next to Lindbergh Field. Many people strongly supported this project. These included the Harbor Commission and the Chamber of Commerce. Citizens approved deeding the area to the Coast Guard at no cost in April 1935.
Construction began in 1936. Funds came from the Federal Public Works Administration. The M.H. Golden Co. was the contractor. The area had to be dredged and filled. Long piles stabilized building sites. The contract included a hangar with a lean-to. It also called for a mess hall and a barracks building. Two aprons and a runway to the field were planned. A small wooden seaplane ramp completed the initial construction.
Before the air station was built, an Air Patrol Detachment was active. It operated from a commercial hangar at Lindbergh Field. Elmer F. Stone led this detachment after May 21, 1935. Stone remains a colorful figure in Coast Guard Aviation history.
In April 1937, the Coast Guard Air Station San Diego was commissioned. Lieutenant S.C. Linholm was the first commanding officer. He later commanded the Eleventh Coast Guard District. An Air Patrol Detachment was active in San Diego from 1934 to 1937. At that time, this was the only Coast Guard air base in California.
The Coast Guard Air Station San Diego continued its work during World War II. It watched fishing boats and assisted those in distress. It also transported personnel for other government departments. Air Sea Rescue operations became a primary focus in October 1943. From January 1 to December 1, 1944, 124 aircraft went down in the waters covered by the unit. Of 201 pilots and crewmen, 137 were saved.
In June 1972, a major rebuilding plan was proposed. A ceremony on January 26, 1983, marked the project’s completion.
In April 1997, the Port of San Diego started a master plan for San Diego International Airport. The plan aimed to improve the airport. It sought to meet the region’s demand for air service. This was while developing a long-term air transportation strategy.
Today, the Coast Guard Air Station San Diego operates three MH-60T Jayhawk helicopters. These helicopters operate off the Coast Guard ramp. The air station is next to Sector San Diego. It remains vital to Coast Guard missions.
The Air Station is separated from the airfield. Fixed-wing aircraft had to cross a busy street. This changed when the station became a HH-60J unit.
From humble beginnings to modern operations, the Coast Guard Air Station San Diego has safeguarded our seas. It continues to protect and serve. It embodies the Coast Guard motto “Semper Paratus.” That means “Always Ready.”