Description
Located on the southern end of Grand Traverse Bay in northern Michigan, USCG Air Station Traverse City is a critical component of the US Coast Guard’s operations in Lakes Michigan, Superior, and Huron. The station houses 29 officers and 112 enlisted personnel, whose primary mission is search and rescue, law enforcement, ice rescue, and homeland security defense operations.
Air Station Traverse City has a long history of rescues and lending aid to those in need. In 1961, Air Station H-19 helicopters assisted in the evacuation of the crew of the Francisco Morazan, an operation that lasted 4 days in continuous gale conditions. Crews also rescued 25 survivors of the collision between the Cedarville and the Topdalsfjord in 1965, and 19 survivors from the fire aboard the Canadian freighter Cartiercliffe Hall in 1979. Proving their versatility, air station personnel have participated in a variety of other operations. In 1986, a premature baby boy was delivered aboard an HU-25A during an air evacuation from Alpena to Traverse City, Michigan.
Minted from solid bronze, and imbued with bold colored enamel, this medallion is dedicated to the former and current Coast Guard and Civilian personnel who have proudly served this great Air Station in its important role to protect this nation’s freedom. The obverse features the emblem of Air Station Traverse City. The reverse displays the logo of the US Coast Guard.
Each coin measures 1 3/4 inch (44mm) in diameter.
