A History of U. S. Coast Guard Aviation

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{detailed description}The US Coast Guard, founded in 1790, has been described as 'the small service with a big mission', and the tasks it has performed over the years, both in times of peace and war, have been numerous and varied. This intensively researched book looks first at the origins of the service and traces its development to the present day, covering not only the dramatic rescues the Coast Guard has performed, but also its other roles.
The Coast Guard currently has a force of over 38,000 personnel on active duty, with nearly 1,000 officers and 3,000 enlisted ranks employed in aviation. These dedicated men and women support, maintain and operate nearly 200 aircraft, twenty-four hours a day throughout the year from twenty-seven Coast Guard air stations and one aviation training centre along the coastline of the United States, including the Great Lakes, Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.
The primary aircraft in the Coast Guard inventory are the HU-25A Guardian, the HC-130H Hercules, the HH-65A Dolphin and the HH-3F Pelican. The Guardian is the service's first multi-mission jet and is nearly twice as fast as any other aircraft in the inventory. The Hercules is used primarily for long-range observation and transport, and the twin engine Dolphin helicopter for search and rescue.
The responsibilities of the service have increased steadily since its early days. Coast Guard aircraft are most frequently recognised in support of the traditional peacetime role of Search and Rescue. The venerable seaplane, on which the service depended in the past as a rescue vehicle, has now been replaced by the helicopter, whose greater manoeuvrability has lent an added measure of success to the SAR role.
The service's other functions are diverse. The International Ice Patrol, which was founded after the tragic sinking of the Titanic in 1912, is operated by the Coast Guard from its Hercules aircraft during the iceberg season to prevent shipping disasters. In a more recent role, the Coast Guard maintains daily helicopter pollution patrols to ensure the waterways are kept clear of harmful waste, using the latest technology to detect the presence of oil and other toxic chemicals.
Today, Coast Guard duties also include heavy involvement in the war against drug smugglers. Currently, two Grumman E-2C Hawkeye surveillance aircraft, plus eight HU-25C Falcon jets modified as interceptors, are being used to curb the activities of the smugglers.
In recent years the Coast Guard has witnessed many changes. As the roles played by the service become more diverse, so its aviation requirements need constant updating, and research into new aircraft and more sophisticated technology is continuous. The UK Airship Industries' Skyship is now being assessed for long range observation. Looking further ahead, it is envisaged that a version of the Bell helicopter Textron V-22 tilt wing aircraft might be ideal for Coast Guard use.
Above all, however, Coast Guard personnel will continue to risk their lives going out to save others. When a veteran of USCG aviation once reminded the author that 'The rules say we have to go — but there is no rule that says we have to come back', he was repeating a time-honoured Coast Guard adage.

signed and inscribed by the author"To (previous owner) Best wishes and thanks for your help with the book & your interest in the project. Sincerely, Arthur. 15.V.1989

{Author / Publisher / Date}by Arthur Pearcy
published by Airlife 1989 1st edn. 170pp profusely illustrated with b&w and colour photographs, index, appendices 23x30
{condition}very good inc. d/j
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