Coast Guard Base Kodiak facts for kids
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Kodiak Naval Operating Base and Forts Greely and Abercrombie
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Kodiak Air Station, January 1989
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 Location in Alaska
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| Location | Kodiak Station, Kodiak Island Borough, Alaska |
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| Nearest city | Kodiak, Alaska |
| Area | 3,000 acres (1,200 ha) |
| Built | 1941 |
| NRHP reference No. | 85002731 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | February 4, 1985 |
| Designated NHL | February 4, 1985 |
Coast Guard Base Kodiak is a really important place for the United States Coast Guard in Kodiak, Alaska. It's like a home base for many Coast Guard operations. The biggest part of the base is Air Station Kodiak, where amazing planes and helicopters are kept. This base is also where several Coast Guard ships, called cutters, are docked.
This station includes some historic spots. These are the Kodiak Naval Operating Base, Fort Greely, and Fort Abercrombie. You might have seen this base on TV! It was featured in the show Coast Guard Alaska on The Weather Channel. It also played a big role in the 2006 movie The Guardian and is often mentioned in the Discovery Channel series Deadliest Catch.
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History of Coast Guard Base Kodiak
How the Base Started
The base first opened on June 15, 1941. Back then, it was called the United States Navy's Naval Air Station Kodiak. This was during World War II, and it was a very important time for the base.
You can still see some old artillery spots on Buskin Hill and Artillery Hill. There are also some at Fort Abercrombie, which is now a state park. Most of the old buildings from Fort Greely are gone now.
Coast Guard Takes Over
On April 17, 1947, the Coast Guard started its own small air group at the Navy base. They had one PBY Catalina airplane, seven pilots, and thirty crew members.
Years later, on April 25, 1972, the Coast Guard officially created Coast Guard Base Kodiak. At that time, the Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak was already flying three HC-130H planes and two HH-52A helicopters.
Today, the Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak has a powerful fleet. They operate five HC-130J aircraft, five MH-60T Jayhawk helicopters, and five MH-65C Dolphin helicopters. These aircraft help with search and rescue missions, protecting the environment, and keeping the waters safe.
A National Historic Landmark
The Kodiak Naval Operating Base, Fort Greely, and Fort Abercrombie are very special. In 1985, they were all listed together on the National Register of Historic Places. They were also named a National Historic Landmark. This is because they played a really important part in World War II history.
Ships Stationed at Kodiak
Coast Guard Base Kodiak is home to several important Coast Guard ships, known as cutters. These ships help patrol the waters around Alaska.
- USCGC Douglas Munro (WHEC-724)
- USCGC Alex Haley (WMEC-39)
- USCGC Spar (WLB-206)
Images for kids
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An injured person is transferred to awaiting emergency medical services personnel at Air Station Kodiak
