USCG San Francisco

USCG San Francisco: A Comprehensive Guide to the United States Coast Guard in San Francisco

The USCG San Francisco is a key organization within the United States Coast Guard. Located in California, the Sector San Francisco is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the area of responsibility that includes the coastal region from the California-Oregon border to Point Sur, California. This region is home to some of the busiest ports and waterways in the country, making it a critical location for the Coast Guard.

The USCG San Francisco plays a vital role in protecting the nation's maritime interests by conducting search and rescue operations, enforcing maritime laws, and responding to environmental disasters. The Sector San Francisco is comprised of several departments, including the Command Center, Marine Safety, and Security, and Response. Each department is staffed with highly trained professionals who work together to ensure the safety and security of the region.

The USCG San Francisco is one of the largest and busiest Coast Guard sectors in the country. With its strategic location in California, it is well-positioned to respond to a wide range of maritime emergencies and threats. The men and women of the USCG San Francisco are committed to their mission of safeguarding the nation's maritime interests and protecting the lives and property of those who rely on the waterways in the region.

USCG San Francisco Base

The USCG San Francisco Base is a critical facility for the United States Coast Guard, located just south of downtown San Francisco at the city's International Airport. It is responsible for conducting search and rescue, homeland security, and environmental protection missions along California's coast from Point Conception to Fort Bragg.

Facilities

The USCG San Francisco Base is a large and well-equipped facility that serves as the primary base of operations for the Coast Guard in the San Francisco Bay Area. It is home to a number of specialized units and facilities, including:

• Air Station San Francisco: The air station operates four MH65 Dolphin helicopters that provide primary mission search and rescue capabilities.
• Sector San Francisco: The sector is responsible for coordinating all Coast Guard operations in the San Francisco Bay Area, including search and rescue, law enforcement, and environmental protection.
• Base Alameda: The San Francisco Base is also home to Base Alameda, which provides logistical and administrative support to all Coast Guard units in the region.

In addition to these facilities, the USCG San Francisco Base also houses a number of other specialized units, including the Pacific Regional Fisheries Training Center, the Deployable Specialized Forces, and Port Security Unit 301.

Location

The USCG San Francisco Base is located at the San Francisco International Airport, which provides easy access to the entire Bay Area and beyond. The facility is strategically located to allow for rapid response to emergencies and threats along the coast.

Overall, the USCG San Francisco Base is a critical facility that plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and security of the San Francisco Bay Area and the entire California coast. Its facilities and personnel are well-equipped to handle a wide range of missions, from search and rescue to law enforcement and environmental protection.

Roles and Responsibilities

The USCG Sector San Francisco has several roles and responsibilities in the maritime domain. The following sub-sections outline some of the key responsibilities of the Sector.

Environmental Protection

The USCG Sector San Francisco is responsible for ensuring that the maritime environment is protected from pollution and other environmental hazards. The Sector works closely with other government agencies and private entities to monitor and enforce environmental regulations. The Sector also responds to oil spills and other environmental incidents to minimize the impact on the environment.

Law Enforcement

The USCG Sector San Francisco is responsible for enforcing federal laws and regulations in the maritime domain. The Sector conducts patrols to detect and deter illegal activities such as drug trafficking, human smuggling, and illegal fishing. The Sector also works with other law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute maritime crimes.

Search and Rescue

The USCG Sector San Francisco is responsible for conducting search and rescue operations in the maritime domain. The Sector has a fleet of vessels and aircraft that are equipped to respond to emergencies at sea. The Sector also works with other government agencies and private entities to coordinate search and rescue efforts.

Port Security

The USCG Sector San Francisco is responsible for ensuring the security of ports and waterways in the San Francisco Bay Area. The Sector works closely with other government agencies and private entities to prevent and respond to security threats. The Sector also conducts security inspections of vessels and facilities to ensure compliance with security regulations.

In addition to the above responsibilities, the USCG Sector San Francisco also plays a key role in maritime security, maritime law enforcement, homeland security, and environmental protection. The Sector's work is critical to ensuring the safety and security of the maritime domain in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Operations and Logistics

USCG San Francisco is responsible for a wide range of operations and logistics tasks in order to ensure the safety of the public and the environment. The following sub-sections provide an overview of some of the key areas of focus for the sector.

Engineering

USCG San Francisco's engineering department is responsible for ensuring that all vessels and equipment are in good working order. This includes conducting regular maintenance and repairs, as well as overseeing the design and construction of new vessels and equipment. The engineering department also plays a key role in ensuring that all vessels and equipment meet safety standards and are equipped with the necessary safety equipment.

Hazardous Materials Handling

USCG San Francisco's hazardous materials handling department is responsible for responding to spills and other incidents involving hazardous materials. This includes providing support to other agencies and organizations in the event of a large-scale incident, as well as conducting regular training and drills to ensure that personnel are prepared to respond quickly and effectively to any incident.

Aids to Navigation

USCG San Francisco's aids to navigation department is responsible for maintaining the various navigational aids throughout the region. This includes everything from buoys and beacons to lighthouses and other fixed navigational aids. The aids to navigation department also plays a key role in ensuring that all navigational charts and maps are up-to-date and accurate.

Overall, USCG San Francisco's operations and logistics teams work tirelessly to ensure that all vessels and equipment are in good working order, that personnel are trained and prepared to respond to any incident, and that the region's navigational aids are maintained and up-to-date. Through their hard work and dedication, these teams help to ensure the safety of the public and the environment.

Official and Secure Websites

When it comes to accessing information from the USCG San Francisco, it's important to use official and secure websites. These websites are designed to protect sensitive information and ensure that users can safely access the information they need.

.mil Websites

One way to ensure that you are accessing official and secure USCG San Francisco websites is to look for the .mil domain. This domain is reserved for use by the United States military and is an indicator that the website is legitimate. Users can be confident that they are accessing the correct website when they see the .mil domain.

HTTPS and Security

Another important consideration when accessing USCG San Francisco websites is security. Websites that use HTTPS are encrypted and provide an additional layer of security. Users can be confident that their information is protected when they see the lock icon in the address bar of their browser.

It's important to note that only official, secure websites should be used when accessing sensitive information. Users should never provide personal information or access unofficial websites that could put their information at risk. By using official and secure websites, users can be confident that their information is protected and that they are accessing the correct information they need.

Air Station and Equipment

Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco

Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco (CGAS) is one of the five air stations in the Eleventh Coast Guard District. It is located at the San Francisco International Airport and conducts search and rescue, homeland security, and environmental protection missions along California's coast from Point Conception to Fort Bragg. The air station was commissioned on 7 October 1940, and it is still in service.

MH-65 Dolphin Helicopter

Air Station San Francisco operates four MH-65 Dolphin helicopters that provide the primary mission search and rescue. These helicopters are equipped with advanced avionics and navigation equipment, including a Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR) system, a digital moving map, and a satellite communications system. The MH-65 Dolphin helicopter is a twin-engine helicopter with a maximum speed of 165 knots and a range of approximately 300 nautical miles. It has a maximum endurance of three hours and can carry up to six passengers.

The MH-65 Dolphin helicopter is also equipped with a rescue hoist and a 600-pound capacity rescue basket. The rescue hoist can lift up to 600 pounds and has a maximum cable length of 250 feet. The rescue basket is used to transport survivors from the water to the helicopter.

In addition to search and rescue missions, the MH-65 Dolphin helicopter is also used for law enforcement and environmental protection missions. The helicopter is equipped with a machine gun and a flare launcher for law enforcement missions. For environmental protection missions, the helicopter is equipped with a pollution surveillance system that can detect oil spills and other types of pollution.

Overall, the Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco and its MH-65 Dolphin helicopters play a critical role in ensuring the safety and security of California's coast.

Geographical Jurisdiction

The USCG San Francisco has a wide geographical jurisdiction that covers the coastal waters of California from Point Conception to Fort Bragg. This area is part of the First District, which is responsible for maritime safety and security from Maine to California.

Point Conception to Fort Bragg

The USCG San Francisco's jurisdiction extends from Point Conception, located at 34°27′N 120°27′W, to Fort Bragg, situated at 39°26′34″N 123°48′27″W. This area includes the coastal waters of Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, Santa Cruz, San Mateo, San Francisco, Marin, Sonoma, and Mendocino counties.

Within this region, the USCG San Francisco's responsibilities include search and rescue operations, maritime law enforcement, marine environmental protection, and port safety and security. They also oversee the safe navigation of commercial vessels, conduct vessel inspections, and monitor the movement of hazardous cargo.

To carry out these tasks, the USCG San Francisco operates several stations and units located along the coast. These include:

• Station Channel Islands
• Station Morro Bay
• Station Golden Gate
• Air Station San Francisco
• Sector San Francisco
• Marine Safety Unit San Francisco
• Marine Safety Unit Los Angeles/Long Beach

The USCG San Francisco works closely with other federal, state, and local agencies to ensure the safety and security of the coastal waters in its jurisdiction. They also collaborate with the maritime industry, environmental organizations, and other stakeholders to promote responsible use of the ocean and its resources.

Overall, the USCG San Francisco's geographical jurisdiction is a vital part of the First District's mission to promote maritime safety, security, and environmental stewardship in the United States.

Contact and Directory

Coast Guard Sector San Francisco is responsible for a large area of operations, which includes the San Francisco Bay Area, the coast of Northern California, and the Pacific Ocean. The Sector is located at 1 Yerba Buena Island, San Francisco, CA 94130. The Sector's Command Center can be reached by calling (415) 399-7300.

In case of any emergency, including search and rescue, maritime pollution, or any other maritime hazard, the Coast Guard Sector San Francisco can be contacted by calling (415) 399-3547.

The USCG San Francisco directory can be found on the Homeport website, which provides information on all the Coast Guard Sectors and Units in the United States. The directory includes contact information for the Sector's Command Center, as well as other offices, such as the Prevention Department, the Response Department, and the Investigations Department.

For more sensitive information, such as Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, the Sector's FOIA Officer can be contacted by email at [email protected]. The Sector's Privacy Officer can be contacted at [email protected] for any questions related to the Privacy Act.

The Sector's website also provides a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) that cover a wide range of topics, including boating safety, commercial vessel safety, and marine environmental protection. The website also includes a list of important phone numbers and links to other Coast Guard resources, such as the National Response Center and the National Maritime Center.

Overall, the Coast Guard Sector San Francisco is dedicated to providing a safe and secure maritime environment for the public, and is always available to answer any questions or concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the phone number for Coast Guard San Francisco?

The phone number for Coast Guard San Francisco is (415) 399-3547.

What is the USCG MSST San Francisco?

The USCG MSST San Francisco is a Maritime Security Response Team that specializes in maritime law enforcement, force protection, and anti-terrorism. They are a highly trained and specialized unit that is capable of responding to a variety of maritime threats.

What is the role of the USCG in California?

The USCG plays a vital role in California by providing maritime safety, security, and environmental protection. They are responsible for enforcing federal laws and regulations, conducting search and rescue operations, and responding to environmental incidents.

What are some recent news stories about the San Francisco Coast Guard?

One recent news story about the San Francisco Coast Guard involves their response to a vessel that was taking on water in the San Francisco Bay. Another news story highlights the Coast Guard's efforts to combat drug trafficking in the Pacific Ocean.

How many districts does the USCG have?

The USCG has nine districts throughout the United States, including the Pacific Area, Atlantic Area, and Great Lakes.

Is the USCG part of the Department of Homeland Security?

Yes, the USCG is a branch of the military and is also part of the Department of Homeland Security. They work closely with other federal agencies to ensure the safety and security of the nation's waterways.