Coast Guard Station Southwest Harbor

US Coast Guard Station Southwest Harbor is the oldest of six Maine Coast Guard rescue stations within Sector Northern New England. Since it was first established as a life-saving station, search and rescue duties remain as one of Station Southwest Harbor’s most important missions. The Southwest Harbor Search and Rescue challenge coin honors the guardians committed to this operational unit.

Since the establishment of the Southwest Harbor complex in 1945, the number of required missions and operational responsibilities has greatly increased. In addition to search and rescue operations, the men and women of Station Southwest Harbor regularly perform essential missions such as vessel and fisheries law enforcement; marine environmental protection; and aids to navigation. Whether they are assisting distressed vessels, curbing illegal activities of mariners, enforcing fishery laws, or marking navigable waterways from Petit Manan to Isle au Haute, Station Southwest Harbor is indispensible and remains integral in maintaining the safety and security of these northeastern waters.