U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod (ASCC), operates with MH-60T Jayhawk helicopters and HC-144A Ocean Sentry fixed-wing aircraft, and is the only Coast Guard Aviation facility in the northeast. As such, ASCC is responsible for the waters from New Jersey to the Canadian border. Centrally located at Joint Base Cape Cod, ASCC maintains the ability to launch a helicopter and/or fixed-wing aircraft within 30 minutes of a call, 365 days-a-year, 24 hours-a-day, and in nearly all weather conditions.
Mission
Our mission is to protect life, property and the marine environment in service to the public and our country. We pledge to optimize the use of personnel, resources and technology in support of the Coast Guard’s five fundamental roles: Maritime Safety, Maritime Security, Maritime Mobility, National Defense and Protection of Natural Resources. We strive for excellence in serving New England military personnel with the finest in community service and quality of life support.
History
In the 1950s, helicopters began to be incorporated into the Coast Guard. One such helicopter, the H-25A Army Mule was built with amphibious capabilities. Float planes were no longer needed because of this development. Therefore, places like Coast Guard Air Station Salem were slowly being phased out. In the 1960s, the Coast Guard began searching for a replacement facility for Coast Guard Air Station Salem, that was in service from 1935 to 1970. Salem was just not able to expand, and the Coast Guard needed a space that could grow as needed and accommodate modern aircraft.
In 1968, the Department of Defense agreed to allow the Coast Guard to utilize Otis Air Force Base on Cape Cod for a new Coast Guard Air Station. Air Station Cape Cod was officially established/commissioned on August 29, 1970.[2] The HH-3F Pelicans and HU-16E Albatrosses were transferred from CGAS Salem and CGAD Quonset Point Rhode Island (NAS) to Cape Cod in the summer of 1970. On Feb. 18, 1979, a Pelican CG-1432 crashed into the sea while engaged in a medical evacuation of an injured seaman from a fishing vessel 180 miles southeast of Cape Cod. Names of personnel killed in the incident: Lieutenant Commander James Stiles (Aircraft Commander); Capt. G. Richard Burge (Canadian Forces Exchange Co-Pilot); Petty Officer 2nd Class John Tait (Avionicsman/Navigator); and Petty Officer 2nd Class Bruce Kaehler (Hospital Corpsman). The HH-3F Pelican continued in service until replaced by the HH-60 Jayhawk in the 90s. The last HH-52A Seaguard helicopters were transferred from CGAD Salem to CGAS Cape Cod in late 1970 and were phased out prior to the Jayhawk coming on board. The HU-25 Guardians arrived at CGAS Cape Cod, in 1982, replacing the HU-16E Albatross. The last Albatross, CGNR 7250, was retired on March 10, 1983 and is on display outside the entrance to the air station. CG 7250/NC 7250 was not only the last Coast Guard Albatross, but the last fixed-wing amphibious aircraft in US inventory.
Search and Rescue
Search and Rescue (SAR) is one of the Coast Guard’s oldest missions. Minimizing the loss of life, injury, property damage or loss by rendering aid to persons in distress and property in the maritime environment has always been a Coast Guard priority. Coast Guard SAR response involves multi-mission stations, cutters, aircraft and boats linked by communications networks. The National SAR Plan divides the U.S. area of SAR responsibility into internationally recognized inland and maritime SAR regions. The Coast Guard is the Maritime SAR Coordinator. To meet this responsibility, Air Station Cape Cod maintains a constant alert with both fixed and rotary wing aircraft. The Coast Guard is recognized worldwide as a leader in the field of search and rescue.
Aids to Navigation
The waters of the United States and its territories are marked to assist navigation by the U.S. Aids to Navigation System. These aids may be anything from lighted structures, beacons, day markers, range lights, fog signals and landmarks to floating buoys. Aircraft from Air Station Cape Cod provide logistical support to Coast Guard ATON teams by carrying cargo, supplies and personnel to and from the thousands of sites maintained along the coast of New England.
Protection of Living Marine Resources
We protect against illegal fishing and indiscriminate destruction of living marine resources and respond to oil and hazardous material spills–both accidental and intentional. We patrol the fishing grounds and enforce regulation and law regarding closed areas, vessel permits and oversee the local fishing industry.
Homeland Security
We protect our ports, the flow of commerce, and the marine transportation system from terrorism. Maintain maritime boarder security against illegal drugs, illegal aliens, firearms, and weapons of mass destruction. We ensure that we can rapidly deploy and resupply our military assets, both by keeping Coast Guard units at a high state of readiness, and by keeping marine transportation open for the transit assets and personnel from other branches of the armed forces.
Address
Building 3172
Buzzards Bay, MA 02540
Operations Duty Officer Phone: 508-274-7928
Command Secretary Phone: 508-968-6300
Temporary Quarters
Wings Inn (formerly Temporary Quarters) is located at USCG Base Cape Cod. Base Cape Cod is located in the Upper Cape, bordering Bourne, Mashpee, Falmouth, and Sandwich. Its location makes it convenient to many beaches, golf, and other recreational areas. Base has easy access to both Route 28 and Route 6. Rooms have been recently renovated to make your stay even more pleasurable! FREE WiFi is available in every room. Wings Inn is located next to the MWR Office and within walking distance of the CG Exchange, C Side Recreation Center, C Side Lanes, Roxy Movie Theater, and also the C Side outdoor pool.