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A Coast Guard Air Station (abbreviated as CGAS or AirSta) provides aviation support for the United States Coast Guard. The Coast Guard operates approximately 210 aircraft from 24 Coast Guard Air Stations in the United States. Fixed-wing aircraft, such as the HC-130 Hercules, are built for long range missions and operate from air stations. The air stations and facilities are also home to locally based MH-65D Dolphin and Sikorsky HH-60 Jayhawk helicopters and support rotor craft assigned to flight deck equipped cutters.
Unlike Coast Guard Boat Stations, which are subordinate to Sector Commanders, the commanding officer of a Coast Guard Air Station reports directly to the appropriate District Commander. Air stations are typically commanded by an officer with the rank of captain.
Air station planning and overall aviation policies are under the oversight of the Office of Aviation Forces (CG-711), which in turn reports to the Assistant Commandant for Capability.
Enlisted Coast Guardsmen in aviation ratings receive their initial aviation training at the Aviation Technical Training Center (ATTC), which is co-located with the AirSta in Elizabeth City, NC. These two commands (AirSta and ATTC) are separate entities.
As the closest Air Station to CG Headquarters, Washington provides executive transportation for the Commandant and the Secretary of Homeland Security, and is also tasked with the mission of intercepting violators to the ADIZ. Located at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, it is staffed by rotating crews from AirSta Atlantic City.
Located at the St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport, Clearwater is the largest Air Station in the Coast Guard and home to nearly 700 USCG aviation and support personnel.
Located at the Mobile Regional Airport, all USCG pilots initially train at ATC, gain certifications for USCG airframes, and return to maintain qualifications.
Located at Naval Air Station Point Mugu, Ventura commenced operations in 2024 as the first new Air Station in 25 years, with Commander Amanda Sardone as its first CO. The 4 bay hangar facility supports an all MH-60T helicopter squadron, covering an AOR stretching 350 nautical miles and from Dana Point to Morro Bay.
Located adjacent to San Diego International Airport, this air station previously operated both rotary-wing and fixed-wing aircraft, with access for the latter to the airport's 9,400 foot runway. Although fixed-wing aircraft are no longer based at this air station, access to the runway remains.
ASF Cordova serves as a seasonal forward operating base reporting to Air Station Kodiak to better support increased maritime activity during the summer fishing season. Other locations utilized by CGAS Kodiak have included Kotzebue and Cold Bay, AK.
Located 33 miles above the Arctic Circle and 700 miles from Kodiak, CGAS Kodiak maintains a seasonal forward location along with other USCG assets in Kotzebue as greater traffic transits through the Northwest Passage during the summer season.
USCG Office of Aviation Forces (CG-711)
CGAS Elizabeth City,
CGAS Atlantic City,
CGAS Washington,
CGAS Borinquen,
CGAS Ventura,
CGAS Humboldt Bay,
CGAS Astoria,
CGAS Port Angeles,
CGAS Barbers Point,
CGAS Kodiak,
