Article -USCG Aviation Training Center Mobile - May 2019

USCG Aviation Training Center Mobile - May 2019

Aviation Training Center Mobile:

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) Aviation Training Center (ATC) in Mobile, Alabama is a multi-mission unit, acting as the Coast Guard's aviation and capabilities development center, as well as an operational air station. Training is conducted to qualify Coast Guard pilots in the MH-60 "Jayhawk", the MH-65 "Dolphin" , the HC-130 "Hercules", the HC-130J "Hercules" and the HC-144 "Ocean Sentry." All pilots initially trained at ATC return once a year for a one week proficiency course in their designated airframe. Serving within the USCG Force Readiness Command's Training Division (FC-T), the ATC Mobile evaluation center is responsible for ensuring that Coast Guard aviation forces are using the best equipment and tactics to successfully complete all required missions. The Operations Department, flying the HC-144A/B Ocean Sentry, is a segment within the ATC command that conducts traditional Coast Guard air station missions including Search and Rescue (SAR), Homeland Security, and Environmental Protection. The Operations Department operates under the tactical control of the Eighth Coast Guard District and has area of responsibility that extends from the Louisiana/Texas border to the eastern edge of the Florida panhandle. The USCG/ATC facility at Mobile has a little under 600 staff employed, 353 Federal employees and 225 active duty personnel, most DOD/USCG servicemen and women are on duty 24/7.

Mission:

The mission of the Aviation Training Center (ATC) is to produce mission ready aircrews and develop aviation capabilities.To provide core training for rotary wing and fixed wing pilots, rescue swimmers and aircrews for the USCG worldwide. They also serve as the Coast Guard's aviation capabilities development center, which provides direct aviation support to Coast Guard Atlantic Area and the Eighth Coast Guard District. Also provided is health and administrative services to military families throughout the Mobile metropolitan area, in order to enhance their ability to support Coast Guard operations. The ATC strive to ensure the safe accomplishment of all mission tasking by implementing Coast Guard Safety and Health Programs that provide all employees and their families a safe and healthful environment.

Vision:

"The Aviation Training Center is committed to be the model Coast Guard aviation and support unit. We balance the needs of our people, our organisational commanders, and the public, in our plans, policies, and operations. When making decisions, we first consider how our actions will affect our people, by identifying, eliminating or minimising the risks associated with those decisions in order to ensure mission safety. We recognise that if we support, respect, and challenge our people, they will deliver superior service and continuous improvement".

Community:

The Coast Guard community is well-integrated with the civilian population and involved in Mobile's schools, churches and civic organisations. Many 'Coasties' (as Mobilians refer to members of the USCG) enjoy their tour of duty in Mobile so much that they come back to retire!

Motto:

"Guardians Explorers Lifesavers"

"Setting The Standard Since 1966"

Based aircraft:

MH-60T "Jayhawk" x4

MH-65C/D "Dolphin" x8

HC-144A/B "Ocean Sentry" x4

Author Mark Forest

Photography Mark Zuidmulder and Steven Fenton