Mobile, Alabama
"The Coast Guard Aviation Training Center (ATC) in Mobile, Alabama is a multi-mission unit, acting as the Coast Guard's aviation and capabilities development center, as well as an operational air station. Training is conducted to qualify Coast Guard pilots in the HU-25 "Guardian", the HH-60 "Jayhawk", the HH-65 "Dolphin" and HC-144 "Ocean Sentry." All pilots initially trained at ATC return once a year for a one week proficiency course in their designated airframe. ATC Mobile evaluation center, responsible for ensuring that Coast Guard aviation forces are using the best equipment and tactics to successfully complete all required missions. Operations Division, flying the HU-25, is a segment within the ATC command that conducts traditional Coast Guard air station missions including search and Rescue, Homeland Security, and Environmental Protection. The Operation Division operates under the tactical control of the Eight Coast Guard District and has area of responsibility that extends from the Louisiana/Texas boarder to the eastern edge of the Florida panhandle.
Captain Steve Truhlar was born in Phoenix, Arizona, grew up in Auburndale, Wisconsin, and graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in 1986.
His first assignment was as a
Deck Watch Officer and Operations Officer onboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter
(USCGC) MESQUITE (WLB-305), a 180-foot buoy tender out of Charlevoix, MI. In
1988, he served as Commanding Officer of USCGC POINT SPENCER (WPB-82349), a
patrol boat home-ported in Galveston, Texas. The cutter and crew was awarded
a Meritorious Unit Commendation for taking part in a record cocaine seizure,
prosecuting numerous significant commercial fishing violations, and serving as
on scene coordinator as the Coast Guard averted a potentially major oil spill
from the burning tanker MEGA BORG.
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