Branch: U.S. Coast Guard
Location: Clearwater, Florida
Installation Type: Air Station
Status: Active

Overview

Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater was established in 1976 on the southeastern shore of St. Joseph Sound near Clearwater Beach, Florida. It is one of the busiest Coast Guard air stations in the nation, strategically located along the Gulf of Mexico and the Straits of Florida to respond to search and rescue, drug interdiction, and migrant operations. The station serves as the primary aviation hub for the Seventh Coast Guard District and is widely regarded as one of the highest-tempo operational air stations in the Coast Guard.

Mission & Units

• Primary Mission: Conduct search and rescue, law enforcement, and maritime homeland security operations across the eastern Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean approaches.
• Major Units:
• HC-144A Ocean Sentry aircraft (fixed-wing patrol)
• MH-60 Jayhawk helicopters (medium-range recovery)
• MH-65 Dolphin helicopters (short-range recovery)
• Air Station Clearwater (host command)
• Tenant Units: Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg maintains operational coordination with the air station; various rotational and training detachments operate periodically.

Location & Access

• Nearest Major City: Tampa, approximately 20 miles east; St. Petersburg, approximately 15 miles southeast.
• Nearest Commercial Airport: Tampa International Airport (TPA), approximately 20 miles east; St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE), approximately 5 miles southeast.
• Gate Access: The air station is a secured military installation. Access requires a valid CAC, military ID, or visitor pass issued at the main gate. Visitors must be escorted by an authorized sponsor. Gate hours and procedures are subject to MARSEC level changes.

Population

• Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 500-700
• Family Members: Approximately 800-1,200
• Civilian Employees: Approximately 50-150
• Total Installation Population: Not publicly available

Key Facilities

• Medical: Branch Health Clinic on station provides primary care for active duty; family members use TRICARE-network providers in the local area. MacDill Air Force Base (Tampa) has the nearest major military medical facility.
• Commissary: No on-site commissary. Nearest commissary is at MacDill Air Force Base, approximately 25 miles east.
• Exchange (PX/BX/NEX): Limited Coast Guard Exchange services on station. Full Exchange access available at MacDill AFB or Naval Air Station Pensacola.
• Fitness & Recreation: On-station fitness center, racquetball courts, and MWR recreation facilities. Access to beach recreation areas nearby.
• Schools: No on-base school. Served by Pinellas County Schools (highly rated district). Many families reside in Dunedin, Safety Harbor, Clearwater, and Palm Harbor communities.
• Childcare: Child Development Center on station; wait lists are common. School-Age Care program available. CG SUPRT can assist with childcare resources.
• Veterinary Services: No military vet clinic on station. Nearest military veterinary services at MacDill AFB. Numerous private veterinary practices in the Clearwater/Tampa area.
• Legal Assistance / JAG: Legal assistance available through Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg (legal office). Appointments recommended; limited walk-in availability.

Housing

• On-Base Housing: Government quarters available on station for eligible personnel. Units are managed by the installation housing office. A mix of single-family and townhome-style units.
• Average Wait Time: Not publicly available; contact housing office upon receiving orders.
• Off-Base Housing: Strong rental and purchase market in Pinellas County. Communities such as Clearwater, Dunedin, Safety Harbor, Oldsmar, and Palm Harbor are popular. Average rent for a 3-bedroom home ranges approximately $2,000-$2,800/month (2025 estimates). Home purchase prices are elevated due to Florida coastal demand.
• BAH Rate Reference: Check current BAH rates at the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) website.

PCS & Newcomer Info

• Sponsorship Program: Contact the gaining unit’s admin office or XPO to request a sponsor. The Coast Guard sponsor program is coordinated through the command. Sponsors can assist with housing searches, school enrollment, and area familiarization.
• In-Processing: Report to the air station quarterdeck and command administration office. In-processing typically takes 1-3 days and includes medical, dental, and administrative check-ins.
• EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program): Managed through CG Work-Life and CG SUPRT. Personnel with special needs family members must enroll prior to PCS. Contact the Work-Life staff at Sector St. Petersburg or call the CG SUPRT helpline at 1-855-CG-SUPRT (1-855-247-8778).

Local Area & Quality of Life

• Climate: Subtropical with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Hurricane season (June-November) is a consideration. Clearwater Beach is consistently rated among the best beaches in the United States.
• Cost of Living: Moderate to high relative to national average. Housing costs have risen significantly in recent years. Florida has no state income tax, which benefits take-home pay.
• Nearby Attractions: Clearwater Beach (world-class Gulf beach), downtown St. Petersburg (arts, dining, Dali Museum), Busch Gardens Tampa, and numerous nature preserves and state parks.
• Spouse Employment: Tampa Bay area has a diverse job market including healthcare, finance, tech, and hospitality. Remote work opportunities are growing. Military spouse hiring programs operate in the region.

Contact & Resources

• Official Website: https://www.uscg.mil/Units/Air-Stations/Air-Station-Clearwater/
• Main Installation Phone: (727) 535-1437
• MWR Website: Not publicly available; contact MWR office on station.
• ACS / Fleet & Family / Work-Life: CG SUPRT — 1-855-247-8778 (24/7 helpline); Work-Life staff also available through Sector St. Petersburg.

Last updated: 2026-02-22
Sources: USCG official website (uscg.mil), Coast Guard District 7 public affairs releases, DTMO BAH tables, Pinellas County Schools, general Coast Guard PCS guidance.; Joseph L. Jordan, Attorney at Law