1943: Coast Guard Assigned the Sea-going Development of the Helicopter Captain William J. Kossler USCG CDR William J. Kossler USCG, a member of the Inter Agency Board, established to research and develop rotary-wing aviation, was convinced that the helicopter was the rescue vehicle of the future and would fulfill the future needs of the Coast Guard. […]

1942: The Coast Guard Acquires OS2U Kingfisher Aircraft Vought OS2U-3 Kingfisher In 1937 The U.S. Navy issued specifications for a two seat Observation Scout floatplane with non-folding wings and the capability for a quick conversion to a land plane. Vought proposed the XOS2U-1 all metal monoplane as opposed to the biplanes currently in use. Spot welding […]

1941 – Coast Guard Aviation Anti- Submarine Operations The East Coast of the United States Grand Admiral Karl Donitz As a result of the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Germany was bound by agreement to declare war on the United States. The United States and Germany declared war on each other on December 11, […]

1941: Coast Guard Acquires Consolidated PBY-5/-5A/-6A Aircraft Coast Guard PBY-5A on the ramp San Diego with airborne droppable life boat attached The Consolidated PBY Catalina was created in response to the U.S. Navy’s request to replace the Consolidated P2Y and the Martin P3M. The XP3Y, designed by Isaac Laddon, distinguished itself clearly from its precursors by […]

1941: Grumman J4F-1 Purchased J4F-1 in Pre World War II Livery The Civil Aeronautics Administration approved type certificate for the Grumman model G-44 Widgeon was issued on 5 April of 1941. The initial production of 41 aircraft was delivered to civilian customers and the Portuguese Navy. Production then switched filling orders for both the Navy and […]

1941: The Coast Guard and the Greenland Operations During 1940 the United States had been looking to the defense of Alaska, Hawaii, and the Panama Canal. An exchange of Atlantic and Caribbean bases for destroyers was being negotiated with the British. Canada and Britain were consolidating their position in the North Atlantic by stationing troops in […]

1941: Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco Established Coast Guard Aviation expanded significantly during a nine year period which saw the construction of nine aviation patrol stations along the coastlines of the United States. The Construction of the Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco was the last of this group. The station was constructed during 1940 […]

1940: Coast Guard Provides Aircraft and Crews for the US Coast and Geodetic Survey On February 10, 1807 Congress authorized an accurate survey to be taken of the coasts and harbors of the United States. The Survey of the Coast was established to provide this service. The name of this organization evolved into the United States […]

1940: Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City Established An Act of Congress approved by President Wilson on August 29, 1916 authorized the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a total of 10 Coast Guard air stations distributed along the coast line of the United States. Unfortunately the Act made no provisions for funding. During the 1934-1939 […]

1940: The Coast Guard and the Birth of the Helicopter Starting in 1909 a series of attempts at vertical flight was conducted. The concept was feasible but the technology had a long way to go before any significant advances could be made. Apart from the lack of a suitable engine, powerful, and light enough to enable […]