U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area

09/11/2026

Today, on the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Coast Guard Island personnel joined local first responders and community partners to remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost and honor the extraordinary courage and sacrifice that followed.

The day began with morning colors before personnel gathered for a ceremony marking the anniversary and the unveiling of a new permanent 9/11 memorial on Coast Guard Island.

Vice Adm. Joseph Buzzella joined representatives from the Oakland Police Department and Alameda Fire Department to unveil the memorial, which features a piece of the World Trade Center towers gifted to Coast Guard Island.

For 25 years, the words “Never Forget” have carried a responsibility — to remember those who never came home, to honor the first responders and service members who answered the call, and to ensure future generations understand the significance of that day.

This memorial will now stand on Coast Guard Island as a lasting connection to that history and a reminder of the service, sacrifice and unity that followed one of our nation’s darkest days.

We remember. We honor. We will never forget.

09/11/2026

A new era for Coast Guard aviation in Sacramento

US Coast Guard Air Station Sacramento welcomed its first HC-130J Super Hercules during a ceremony today, expanding the Coast Guard’s long-range surveillance and increasing its response capabilities across the Pacific region.

With a range of 4,900 nautical miles and endurance of more than 20 hours, the HC-130J can conduct long-range maritime patrol, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

Bringing HC-130J Super Hercules aircraft to Sacrament will strengthen the Coast Guard’s ability to save lives, control, secure, and defend U.S. borders and maritime approaches, facilitate commerce, and respond to crises and contingencies.

“This is a monumental step forward for Air Station Sacramento and the future of Coast Guard aviation,” said Vice Adm. Joseph Buzzella, commander of U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area and the Coast Guard’s Ancient Albatross who presided over the ceremony. “The HC‑130J will be critical to detecting and interdicting migrant and narcotics flows through the maritime approaches to our nation.”

CGNR-2018 is the 18th missionized HC-130J in the Coast Guard fleet, with additional aircraft planned for Air Station Sacramento in the coming years.

More reach. More capability. Stronger maritime security.

Read more here: www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/4596558/coast-guard-brings-first-hc130j-to-air-station-sacramento-boosting-longrange-su/

Photos by PA3 Joel LaValle & Kenneth Wiese



U.S. Coast Guard Southwest District
U.S. Coast Guard

09/10/2026

Partners on the water – Service members from U.S. Coast Guard Port Security Unit 309 recently returned home after supporting the Combined Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (CJLOTS 26) exercise in Pohang, South Korea.

They trained alongside more than 1,900 personnel from the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, ROK Navy, and ROK Coast Guard who participated in CJLOTS. The complex, all-domain logistics exercise ensures Coast Guard crews and combined forces remain ready to respond decisively to any contingency at home or abroad. This defense-focused training underscores our shared resolve, strengthens the ROK U.S. Alliance, and demonstrates our collective readiness.

The Port Clinton, Ohio-based PSU 309 is one of eight units capable of deploying globally within 96 hours of recall, supporting missions ranging from port security to humanitarian assistance.

CJLOTS reaffirms the United States’ unwavering commitment to the defense of the Republic of Korea and reinforces the alliance’s role as a linchpin of regional peace and security.

Read more: news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/4591627/us-coast-guard-participates-in-combined-joint-logistics-over-the-shore-training/

08/25/2026

08/19/2026

Road trip status: Boat in tow! 🛥️💨

Every year members from Aids to Navigation Team Kennewick transport their 26-foot Trailerable Aids to Navigation Boat three hours north for a very important mission: keeping Lake Roosevelt safe! 🌲🌊

Spanning 150 miles, this massive reservoir attracts over a million visitors every summer and powers the Grand Coulee Dam (generating energy for 2 million homes! ⚡🏡). Because it’s a man-made reservoir, water depths can be highly unpredictable.

That’s where we come in! Our team services remote buoys and beacons that only get maintenance done once a year. By keeping these navigation aids in top shape, we’re proud to support our partners at the National Park Service and ensure everyone has a safe, successful boating season in the Pacific Northwest.

How are you spending your time on the water this summer? Let us know below! 👇



National Park Service
Lake Roosevelt NPS
U.S. Coast Guard
U.S. Coast Guard Sector Columbia River
Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound
Go Coast Guard
Go Coast Guard Seattle

08/06/2026

U.S. Coast Guard PSU 311 recently conducted pyrotechnics training at Base Los Angeles/Long Beach, practicing the deployment of M127A1 white star parachute illumination signals.

During night operations, illumination signals are used to light search areas, improve visibility for response crews, and provide a highly visible signal to nearby mariners. Regular training helps ensure reservists are prepared to employ these tools effectively.

Based in Long Beach, California, PSU 311 is a deployable Coast Guard Reserve unit that provides waterside security, shoreside security, and expeditionary force protection in support missions worldwide.

📸by Petty Officer 3rd Class Nicholas Manoukian



U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area

08/06/2026

U.S. Coast Guard Transportable Port Security Boats conducted area familiarization near the Amador Terminal and the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal during . The training provided partner nation personnel the opportunity to strengthen maritime maneuver skills by building navigational awareness and operational knowledge of the local maritime environment.

Multinational defense and security forces are training together during the Panamanian-hosted PANAMAX exercise. Held in Panama and the U.S., the exercise is strengthening the collective capability of regional forces to safeguard the Panama Canal and maintain security and stability in the Western Hemisphere.

| | U.S. Department of War | Secretary of War Pete Hegseth | The Joint Staff | U.S. Army Western Hemisphere Command (USAWHC) | Embajada de Estados Unidos en Panamá | U.S. Coast Guard | U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area | USAenEspañol

04/30/2026

Vice Adm. Joe Buzzella has officially been designated as the U.S. Coast Guard’s Ancient Albatross, an esteemed honor recognizing him as the longest-serving active-duty aviator.
This distinction celebrates a career of sustained excellence and dedication to mission success.

Under Force Design 28, he will serve as the Coast Guard’s Aviation Champion, the service’s strongest advocate for the needs in the interest of safety and posterity of the aviation community.

03/27/2026

U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Security Response Team West and Marine Forces Special Operations Command recently conducted helicopter insertion training aboard U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Elm to prepare for operations in complex maritime environments.

This training and partnership strengthens our ability to board vessels, stop threats at sea, and protect the nation’s maritime approaches.



📸: Petty Officer 3rd Class Christopher Sappey & Petty Officer 2nd Class Austin Hernandez

03/26/2026

Vice Adm. Joe Buzzella formally assumed command of U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area and Defense Force West.

As Pacific Area commander, Buzzella will guide efforts to enhance operational readiness, strengthen international partnerships, and advance national security priorities throughout the Indo-Pacific and beyond.