COAST GUARD AIR STATION TRAVERSE CITY OPEN HOUSE THIS SATURDAY

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. – The United States Coast Guard Air Station in Traverse City is hosting an Open House on Saturday, October 15, 2011 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. The Open House will highlight the Coast Guard’s mission, equipment and highly trained personnel serving the Great Lakes region as well as celebrate the remarkable achievements of 100 years of Naval Aviation. The Centennial of Naval Aviation will bring with it several aircraft rarely seen in Northern Michigan including the C-130 Long Range Patrol Aircraft, the HU-25 Falcon Patrol Airplane and the newest fixed-wing aircraft in the Coast Guard inventory, the HC-144 Ocean Sentry.

Rain or shine, meet the real-life heroes of the United States Coast Guard, the Coast Guard Auxiliary and first responders from the Grand Traverse Community. Get a close-up look at their rescue equipment and learn firsthand why they are known as the “Great Lakes Guardians.” Rescue demonstrations using the Air Station’s MH-65C Dolphin helicopter will showcase their unique capabilities at 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.

Static displays will include:
MH-65C Dolphin rescue helicopter
C-130 Hercules Long Range Patrol Airplane
HC-144 Ocean Sentry Patrol Airplane
HU-25 Falcon Patrol Airplane
25’ Coast Guard rescue boat from Station Charlevoix
Coast Guard Auxiliary Airplanes
Cherry Capital Airport’s Striker 3000 Crash/Fire Rescue Truck
Civil Air Patrol Search Airplane
GT Sheriff Dive Team & rescue vessel
Red Cross First Response Vehicle
and more…

Pizza and drinks will be available for purchase with all proceeds benefiting Air Station Morale activities. This event is open to general public and completely handicapped accessible.

For more information on this event, please contact the Public Affairs Officer at Air Station Traverse City, LTJG Chris Breuer. During non-business hours, please contact the duty desk at 231-922-8212.