VENTURA, Calif. — The Coast Guard is proud to announce the opening of its newest air station at Naval Base Ventura County, Point Mugu. The ribbon cutting and commissioning ceremony was held today, marking the establishment of the newest Coast Guard air station in 25 years.
Air Station Ventura features a $70 million state-of-the-art, 48,000 square foot hangar and a 12,000 square foot administration facility, ensuring that Coast Guard personnel have the resources needed to carry out their vital missions. This new facility is expected to house three MH-60 Jayhawk helicopters and approximately 100 personnel, significantly enhancing the Coast Guard's capabilities in the region.
“The establishment of Air Station Ventura is a critical development for the Coast Guard’s operations within the Eleventh District area of responsibility,” said Rear Adm. Joseph R. Buzzella, commander, Coast Guard District Eleven. “This new station offers ready resources that provide safety and security to the maritime community. This is a monumental day for the air crews and for the community in which they serve."
Recently, the aircrew of Air Station Ventura conducted three rescues:
- Oct. 13, 2024: Air Station Ventura medevac a 63-year-old woman suffering from abdominal pain from the Cruise Ship Grand Princess
- Oct. 17, 2024: Air Station Ventura hoists a diver from vessel in 10-foot seas suffering decompression sickness near Anacapa Islands in Channel Islands.
- Oct. 31, 2024: Air Station Ventura medevac a man suffering from seizures from Cruise Ship Celebrity Radiance
“The recent rescues by the team at Air Station Ventura is a testament to the skill, dedication and readiness of our aircrews,” said Cmdr. Amanda Sardone, commanding officer, Air Station Ventura. “As plank owners, our crew will continue to leave a lasting mark on the future of this unit and service.”
The air station serves a crucial role in protecting the maritime region from Orange County to San Luis Obispo County including the vital ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach encompassing an area of responsibility more than 350 nautical miles.. Its missions include 24/7 emergency response; search and rescue; drug and migrant interdiction; law enforcement; and marine safety and environmental protection. The permanent presence of the Coast Guard in Ventura County provides enhanced security and quicker response times to emergencies, benefiting both the local community and maritime industries. District 11 now consists of five air stations in its area of responsibility to include: Humboldt Bay, San Francisco, Sacramento, San Diego and Ventura.