Coast Guard Air Station Sitka
Coast Guard Air Station Sitka Relocation Information
Photo by Lt Cmdr Wryan Webb
Welcome to Coast Guard Air Station Sitka
Coast Guard Air Station Sitka was established in 1977. Sitka crews handle over 150 search and rescue cases annually (SAR), many of which are conducted in stormy winds, snow, low visibility, and extended darkness.
Air Station Sitka’s aircrews have saved over 2,300 lives, assisted thousands of others, and protected several hundred million dollars' worth of vessel property from sea dangers. About half of the station’s SAR cases involve air ambulance missions from small villages, logging camps, boats, and cruise ships.
U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Sitka’s area of responsibility encompasses the entire Southeast region of Alaska, from Dixon Entrance north to Central Alaska and from the U.S./Canadian border west to the central Gulf of Alaska. Air Station Sitka operates in one of the most demanding flight environments for Coast Guard aircraft operations, with 12,000 miles of isolated and rugged coastline, including inland search and rescue operations for Southeast Alaska. This region includes many remote villages. The air station, part of the Arctic District, operates three HH-60J Jayhawk helicopters and has a team of 21 officers and 120 enlisted personnel.
Moving to the Coast Guard Air Station Sitka area?
See our free guide for your military move to Alaska below!
Frequently Asked Questions about CG Air Station Sitka
1. What area of Alaska is Coast Guard Air Station Sitka in?
Coast Guard Air Station Sitka is located in Southeast Alaska, in the community of Sitka on Baranof Island. This region is part of the Alaska Panhandle, known for its rugged coastline, temperate rainforest, and maritime climate.
2. What is Sitka known for?
Sitka is known for its rich Native Tlingit heritage, Russian history, stunning coastal scenery, abundant wildlife, and outdoor recreation like fishing, hiking, and kayaking.
3. Can you drive to Coast Guard Air Station Sitka?
No, Sitka is accessible only by air or sea. Reach Sitka by commercial flights into Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport or via the Alaska Marine Highway ferries. There are no road connections to other Alaskan cities.
4. What is the zip code for Coast Guard Air Station Sitka?
The zip code for Coast Guard Air Station Sitka is 99835.
5. What is the BAH for Coast Guard Air Station Sitka?
The BAH for Coast Guard Air Station Sitka ranges from $2,355 for E-1 to $3,513 for E-9 with dependents, and from $3,222 for O-1 to $3,798 for O-6 with dependents. See the BAH section for more info.
Base Location and Information
Coast Guard Air Station Sitka Address:
611 Airport Road
Sitka, AK 99835
Coast Guard Air Station Sitka is located at 611 Airport Drive, Sitka, AK 99835, on Baranof Island and the southern half of Chichagof Island in the Alexander Archipelago of the Pacific Ocean (part of the Alaska Panhandle). There are only two modes of travel available to the island: ferry and plane.
U.S. Military Installations in Alaska
Nearby military installations:
Arrival Lodging
Coast Guard Air Station Sitka does not offer on-base lodging, but accommodations are available in the surrounding area. Some lodging options include Longliner Lodge and Suites, Aspen Suites Hotel, Dove Island Lodge, and Southeast Resort.
Coast Guard Air Station Sitka Housing
Check in with the Coast Guard Air Station Sitka local housing officer at (907) 966-5579 for housing options and more information.
Photo by Medveh via Canva.com
Coast Guard Air Station Sitka Off-Base Housing
Most Coast Guard members live on the local economy, renting or purchasing homes in Sitka. Housing can be expensive and limited, so people often start looking early or rely on the local Coast Guard spouse groups for leads. Groceries, utilities, and housing are all higher than the U.S. average, typical for Southeast Alaska.
Coast Guard Air Station Sitka BAH Information
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a U.S.-based allowance determined by geographic duty location, pay grade, and dependency status. It provides uniformed service members compensation based on housing costs in local civilian housing markets when government quarters are not provided. Learn more about your BAH allowance.
Sample BAH rates for zip code 99835:
- E-1 with dependents: $2,355
- E-1 without dependents: $1,767
- E-9 with dependents: $3,513
- E-9 without dependents: $2,775
- O-1 with dependents: $3,222
- O-1 without dependents: $2,418
- O-6 with dependents: $3,798
- O-6 without dependents: $3,444
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Area Weather and Climate
The Sitka, Alaska, weather is maritime and milder than most of Alaska, but it tends to be rainy, windy, and often stormy during fall and winter. Summers are cool, and winters are mild, characterized by a wet coastal climate. Because Sitka sits on the outer coast of Baranof Island, it gets frequent ocean storms and changing weather.
Coast Guard Air Station Sitka Area Schools
Families stationed at Coast Guard Air Station Sitka can enroll their children in the Sitka School District. There are no schools on the base itself. For families considering private education, Private School Review is a helpful resource for researching local options. Those interested in homeschooling should adhere to the regulations outlined by the Alaska Department of Education. For guidance or questions, families can contact the USCG School Liaison Program. There are also school liaison resources available through Ketchikan Military Family Resources and school liaisons.
Support for Military and Families
Higher education opportunities near Coast Guard Air Station Sitka include UAS Sitka and Outer Coast Community College.
Volunteer opportunities include Coast Guard Spouses and Women’s Association, Sitka Animal Control Shelter, Sitka Sound Science Center, Sitka Trail Works, and Brave Heart Volunteers.
Helpful links for Coast Guard Air Station Sitka:
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Things to Do Near Coast Guard Air Station Sitka
- Sitka National Historical Park (Totem Park): Alaska’s oldest national park. Beautiful forest trails, Haida and Tlingit totem poles, and ranger programs. Watch the salmon run in late summer.
- Alaska Raptor Center: Sitka’s most beloved wildlife attraction. A rehabilitation center for injured bald eagles, owls, hawks, and other raptors. Walk the forest boardwalks and see eagles up close.
- Fortress of the Bear: A bear rescue center that cares for orphaned brown and black bears. Elevated viewing platforms give amazing photo opportunities.
- Wildlife Boat Tours: Sitka Sound is full of wildlife. Tours often see whales (humpbacks, gray whales), sea otters, puffins, sea lions, occasionally orcas, and stunning volcanic scenery (Mt. Edgecumbe).
- St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral: One of the most recognizable buildings in Alaska. Historic Russian influence, religious icons, and local cultural history.
- Sitka Sound Science Center: Small, hands-on marine science facility. Salmon hatchery tours and touch tanks are popular.
- Mount Edgecumbe Hike (for experienced hikers): A dormant volcanic cone. 13-mile day hike with incredible views of Sitka Sound, only for prepared hikers.
- Sitka Fine Arts Camp & Performances: Nationally recognized program. Concerts, plays, and cultural performances are held at Centennial Hall or on the historic Sheldon Jackson campus.
- Sheldon Jackson Museum: Excellent collection of Alaska Native artifacts from across the state. High-quality exhibits of Tlingit, Yup’ik, and Iñupiat culture.
- Fishing Charters: Sitka is a premier destination for: King salmon, coho salmon, halibut, and rockfish. Excellent ocean access and professional guides available.
More Area Info
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Base Address:
611 Airport Road
Sitka
,
99835