Mike Thompson: “on this, the occasion of the 210th anniversary of the United States Coast Guard, it is fitting to acknowledge the…”

“on this, the occasion of the 210th anniversary of the United States Coast Guard, it is fitting to acknowledge the outstanding contributions made to the residents of California's First Congressional District by Coast Guard Group Humboldt Bay. The sacrifices made over the years by these dedicated men and women are worthy of appreciation and recognition. The Humboldt Bay Group has a long history on California's North Coast. As early as 1854, D.M. Pearce was appointed the first Keeper of Humboldt Harbor. In 1856, the Battery Point Lighthouse became the first lighthouse on the North Coast, aiding sailors along what is one of the stormiest coastlines in the nation. At the height of maritime travel, six lighthouses operated along this stretch of coastline. Coast Guard Air Station Humboldt Bay was commissioned on June 24, 1977 as Air Station Arcata and redesignated Air Station Humboldt Bay in May 1982. Its commissioning completed a long process begun by local residents and fishermen wanting a year-round aviation Search and Rescue (SAR) facility for Northern California.”