Peninsula Rescue Sets Milestone: 100 Lives Saved in 2017

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco has reached a remarkable milestone - the highly skilled daredevils in their helicopters and planes have saved 100 lives in 2017. Their 100th save was on Nov. 12 when a fisherman was medevaced near Pescadero Point in San Mateo County.

"I am extremely proud of the hard work, training and dedication of the men and women of Air Station San Francisco," said Capt. Kent Everingham, Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco commander. "Every life saved or assisted is rewarding, but recording 100 lives this year helps our crews see the importance and results of their efforts. We are honored to serve the people of California and the maritime community and we urge everyone to remain vigilant and safe while on or around the water."

Air Station San Francisco is home to six MH-65 Dolphin helicopters and approximately 160 personnel. Missions include search and rescue, law enforcement, homeland security and maritime environmental protection.

The unit's primary response area is from the Mendocino-Sonoma county line to the Orange-San Diego county line.

Since the closing of Coast Guard Air Station Los Angeles in May of 2016, Air Station San Francisco has also operated two Dolphin helicopters and crews out of Coast Guard Forward Operating Base Pt. Mugu, providing coverage for the greater Los Angeles area. A permanent replacement for Air Station Los Angeles is in the works.

Air Station San Francisco was completed Feb. 15, 1941.

-Images and video via US Coast Guard