Aviation Training Center

A few people fail to consider the United States Coast Guard when they think about the armed forces in the country. Although it is not as popular overseas, it is just as important in the country. It is the only armed force that is operated by the Department of Homeland Security. Although it works as an independent force, it is under the jurisdiction of the United States Navy during critical times of war or if the president decides to make this move. Aviation Training Center is one of the major facilities operated by this force. It is located in Alabama and is maintained by the 8-th District. It is the only district that maintains the central part of the United States of America. It consists of four different stations. All the other districts deal with coastal areas. Although the mission of the US Coast Guard is mostly nautical, the search and rescue operations are conducted anywhere.

Mission

Aviation Training Center is responsible for all the US Coast Guard missions that can be taken inland. The most important ones include the SAR operations, as well as plenty of law enforcement activities. The logistical missions are just as important, especially since this installation cannot conduct ice patrolling, oil spills investigations or illegal immigrants actions. The training center is responsible for preparing some of the finest pilots in the force, as well as their proper certification. It is vital for these experts to provide the proper certificates according to the studies and experience of each pilot. The training courses are conducted on multiple aircrafts such as HH 65, HC 25, HC 130 (Hercules) or HH 60.

Its motto says “Semper Paratus”, which means the base is always ready to defend and fight.

History

Aviation Training Center is not really among the oldest training facilities for pilots. It was established around the Vietnam War. Back then, the United States Coast Guard was using a basic training site from Savannah, Georgia. The base was established after the previous training centers adopted the powerful HH 52 A aircrafts in 1963. There was no room for them. The place supported the Korean War in the best manner. However, as the years passed by, the authorities figured out that the base in Savannah was not good enough for a major expansion project. It was limited, so the US Coast Guard had to look after a new place. It took the officials a few months to find a perfect place that could host all the aircrafts, support the training ranges and also have enough room for any potential expansion projects. This is how Aviation Training Center was founded.

Facilities

Some of the most popular facilities at Aviation Training Center include a general health care clinic, dental offices and recreational sites. The facilities are open to all the military troops and civilian personnel and families. They include community centers, restaurants, basketball courts, society clubs and fitness clubs. They make this place as complete as possible, especially for the units relocated from other parts of the country along with their families.