Cub Scouts from GGAC Pack 88 Visit SF Coast Guard Air Rescue Base
Over 40 Cubs Scouts with their families visited the US Coast Guard Air Base near the SFO airport on 12/5/21. The members of Pack 88, based in SF’s Noe Valley neighborhood were awed by the tour, visit, and the chance to see the Coast Guard in action. They complete regular drills throughout the day and the cub scouts were able to see them complete a live rescue drill. The Coast Guard Base has seven working helicopters, with at least one ready to take off. They cover mostly water rescues and other dispatch requests in the bay and Pacific Ocean, and they have a coverage area from Eureka to about half-way to LA. The Cubs were able to ask questions about the equipment in the helicopter and learned many great facts. One question asked was “I think I’ve seen a helicopter go under the Golden Gate bridge, is that right?” and the coast guard confirmed that they do have authorization to fly under bridges and fly low. This maneuver is helpful during foggy conditions, and they often practice this on a nice day. After a tour of the base, and a Pack meeting in the Coast Guard office, the cubs were able to sit in the helicopters and even move the joystick a bit. Many thanks to the US Coast Guard for allowing the Pack onsite.
