HC-144A Ocean Sentry - U.S. Coast guard photo

Washington (Oct. 11, 2007) - An HC-144A Ocean Sentry, medium-range surveillance aircraft, arrives for the first time in Washington, D.C. at Coast Guard Air Station Washington. The HC-144A, the official designation issued by the Air Force, is a transport and surveillance, fixed-wing aircraft that will be used to perform search and rescue missions, enforce laws and treaties including illegal drug interdiction, marine environmental protection, military readiness, and International Ice Patrol missions, as well as cargo and personnel transport. It can perform aerial delivery of search and rescue equipment such as rafts, pumps, and flares, and it can be used for on scene command and control. USCG photo by PAC Sarah B. Foster