The Coast Guard acquired a special ordered G-159 Gulfstream 1 executive transport from Grumman Aircraft Corporation on 19 March 1963. Designated VC-4A it was based out of National Airport in Washington, D.C. and used to provide air transportation on a demand basis, to the Secretary of Treasury and members of his staff, the Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard and members of his staff and such other personnel as may be authorized by the Commandant.
The Gulfstream, a commercial aircraft designed for civil use required the implementation of a support system and aircraft maintenance procedures. LCDR John Moseley was assigned this project. Extensive consultation with the Grumman Aircraft Corporation and Atlantic Aviation Incorporated resulted in a maintenance procedure that was unique for its time in that the aircraft was constantly under check but never out of service except for grounding discrepancies and/or major component change requirements. The system proved very successful and was used by NASA for its fleet of G-159 aircraft. Parts support was provided by Grumman Aircraft Corporation.
The Coast Guard ordered a second VC-4A but cancelled the order before delivery. In September 1983 the VC-4A was transferred to Air Station Elizabeth City and then to Miami where it was used as a logistics and Long Range Command and Control aircraft for the Seventh Coast Guard District. On 19 September 2001 the Coast Guard procured a “previously owned” VC-4, Gulfstream I aircraft, from NASA, for replacement of the originally procured Gulfstream I.
| Manufacturer | Grumman |
| Designation | VC-4A |
| Aircraft Type | Fixed-wing twin-engine transport |
| Wing Span | 78’ 4” |
| Height | 22’ 9” |
| Length | 64’ 6” |
| Fuel Capacity | 1,550 gallons |
| Top Speed | 348 mph at 25,000’ |
| Cruising Speed | 288 mph at 25,000’ |
| Range | 2,540 miles |
| Gross Weight | 35,100 pounds |
| Crew | 2 crew –12/14 passengers |
| Service Ceiling | 26,000’ |
