U.S. Coast Guard San Diego

Bravo Zulu to our very own AET1 William James 👊

Green Deck, cleared to land!⚓️🚁

Recently, the crews from CGC BERTHOLF (WMSL-750) and Air Station San Diego sharpened their skills with Deck Landing Qualifications (DLQs) off the coast of San Diego! Our aviators and cutter teams tackled day, night, and even Night Vision Goggle (NVG) landings/takeoffs.

Why? Because DLQs aren’t just drills—they’re critical for extending the range of our aircraft, allowing the Coast Guard to respond to law enforcement and search and rescue (SAR) cases well beyond the operational range of the MH-60T. Helicopters being able to operate from ships is also important for emergency situations, medical evacuations (MEDEVACs), & passenger/cargo transport.

Our Helicopter Inflight Refueling (HIFR) & Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP) capabilities are key to growing our Maritime Domain Awareness and securing the Nation’s Southwest Maritime Border 💪

🕹️ Our stick skills save lives.

📸 ASTC Bradley Pigage

🚢 The Coast Guard Barque Eagle is sailing into San Diego!
For the first time since 2008, America’s Tall Ship will be moored at B Street Pier Aug. 8–11.

Step aboard this historic 295-foot, three-masted barque for free public tours:
📅 Friday, Aug. 8 | 1–4 p.m.
📅 Saturday, Aug. 9 | 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
📅 Sunday, Aug. 10 | 10 a.m.–7 p.m.

No tickets. No cost. Just a rare chance to explore the only active square-rigger in U.S. government service. ⚓

📍 B Street Pier, 1140 N. Harbor Dr., San Diego
📲 Follow for tour updates and behind-the-scenes crew life.

This week we celebrated the Coast Guard’s 235th birthday at Sector San Diego with BBQ, beats, bounce houses, and big splashes at the dunk tank! From face painting to lawn games, it was all smiles as we marked another year of being Always Ready! 🎉⚓

“This is not just an issue of border security — it is a matter of life and death.”

Earlier today, Sector San Diego Commanding Officer, CAPT Rob Tucker, and our DHS partners held a press conference to address the critical and prevailing risk to human life posed by illegal maritime migration.

Every year, unseaworthy and overloaded boats attempt dangerous crossings off the coast of San Diego. These journeys are illegal, deadly, and preventable.

Already in 2025, Coast Guard crews have saved 47 lives, but 29 lives have been lost over the past four years. The ocean is unforgiving.

⚠️ Do not take to the sea. It is unsafe. You may not survive.

Sector San Diego remains on watch 24/7, working with our partners to deter illegal maritime migration and protect all lives on the water.

📞 If you see suspicious or unsafe activity on the water, report it. But do not intervene.

“Esto no es solo un tema de seguridad fronteriza — es una cuestión de vida o muerte.”

Hoy temprano, el Comandante del Sector San Diego, CAPT Rob Tucker, y nuestros socios del DHS celebraron una conferencia de prensa para abordar el riesgo crítico y prevaleciente para la vida humana que representa la migración marítima ilegal.

En San Diego, cada año personas intentan cruzar el mar en embarcaciones sobrecargadas e inseguras. Estos viajes son ilegales, peligrosos y evitables.

Solo en 2025, la Guardia Costera ha salvado 47 vidas, pero 29 vidas se han perdido en los últimos cuatro años. El mar no perdona.

⚠️ No te arriesgues en alta la mar. No es seguro. Podría no sobrevivir.

El Sector San Diego está en vigilancia las 24 horas del día, trabajando con nuestras agencias asociadas para evitar la migración marítima ilegal y proteger vidas en el mar.

📞 Si ve actividad sospechosa o peligrosa en el agua, repórtela. Pero no intervenga.

🚨 See Something, Say Something – But Never Intervene.

Today, a well-intentioned individual near San Diego removed the keys from a suspected human smuggler’s watercraft. The smuggler then threatened them with a weapon.

While we appreciate vigilance, direct action can put you and others in serious danger.

If you see suspicious maritime activity:
✅ Observe from a safe distance.
✅ Note details.
✅ Report immediately to local authorities or the Coast Guard.

Your safety is our top priority. Leave enforcement to trained professionals.

📞 In emergencies, call 911 or the U.S. Coast Guard at +1 (619) 278-7013

🎆 4th of July at Sector San Diego 🇺🇸
Every year we’re proud to open our gates to celebrate Independence Day and catch the best views of the Big Bay Boom with our military family. BUT—this year’s a little different…

🚨 Due to increased security measures, access to base will be limited. Make sure you and your crew are good to go!

To attend, guests MUST fall into one of the following categories:

🔹 CAC holders
🔹 Retired military (ID holders only)
🔹 Military dependents (with dependent ID)
🔹 Children under 18
🔹 Vetted visitors (pre-approved by our Security Manager)

🚫 Heads up: If anyone in your car isn’t on the list above and hasn’t been vetted—they won’t be allowed on base. No exceptions.

📅 Need to get someone vetted? Fill out the form by June 27 (link in our story):

👉 https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/JMT9wfPU8D

Let’s celebrate safely and keep the good vibes rolling! 💥🎉

📸 Coast Guard members joined students at Fay Elementary for a fun-filled Field Day event! From sack races to tug-of-war, our crew helped facilitate games and cheer on the kids as they enjoyed a day of teamwork, laughter, and school spirit. Thanks to Fay Elementary for letting us be part of the celebration! 💙⚓