The Coast Guard is slated to close its air facility in Newport, Oregon, on Nov. 30.

The change comes as a result of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2014 that authorized the Service to close the facility in light of ongoing resource reductions.

Through targeted investment over the past decade, the Coast Guard has significantly improved its search and rescue response posture. Specifically, the deployment of the Coast Guard’s Rescue 21 communications and distress calling system has provided improved detection capability and effectiveness in locating mariners in distress. This system, along with other improvements in maritime survival equipment, has increased the chances of survival, location, and safe recovery for those in peril at sea.

The Coast Guard will continue to maintain air operations along the Oregon shores at Air Station North Bend, with three MH-65 Dolphin helicopters and at Air Station Astoria, with three MH-60 Jayhawk helicopters.  The Service will continue to meet and exceed its current area of responsibility and comply with all national Search and Rescue response standards and requirements.

“In these extraordinarily challenging fiscal times, the Coast Guard continuously evaluates how best to allocate limited resources while addressing the most pressing risks,” said Rear Adm. Richard Gromlich, commander, Coast Guard 13th District. “I’m confident that the advancements in our search and rescue system over the past decade will continue to enable our crews to effectively protect and assist mariners across the Northwest.”