Coast Guard Aviation Training Center

On Wednesday, January 11, the biomed classes at St. Luke's were invited to tour the medical clinic and flight simulators at the Mobile Coast Guard Aviation Training Center. Once there we were able to completely tour their medical clinic, while taking part in fun activities, like trying to complete the test that determines an aviator's lung capacity. Afterwards we were able to fly in three different flight simulators, one plane and two helicopters. The US Coast Guard is one of the five armed forces of the United States and the only military organization within the Department of Homeland Security. Since 1790, the Coast Guard has safeguarded our nation's maritime interests and environment around the world. The Aviation Training Center (ATC) produces mission-ready aircrews for Coast Guard operational commanders and the Force Readiness Command. They provide initial-qualification and proficiency training for all Coast Guard pilots as well as unit-based standardization and training of aircrews in 6 airframes across 26 Coast Guard Air Stations. Operations Department stands ready 24/7/365, to conduct Search and Rescue (SAR) and Law Enforcement in support of the Coast Guard's Atlantic Area and the Eighth District. They conduct capabilities development and Operational Test and Evaluation of aircraft and equipment including development of Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for all Coast Guard aviation missions. They also support our Mobile area military members and their families through medical, work-life, and support services. ATC's HC-144Bs patrol approximately 8,000 square miles per week in the Gulf of Mexico form Sabine Pass, LA to Apalachicola, FL, including anchorage areas, channel entrances, and local rivers and bays, providing Maritime Domain Awareness for the Department of Homeland Security.