I'm hoping that forum users can help me settle a debate between me and a friend. I was always under the impression that USCG HH-60 Jayhawk Helicopters had call signs in the format of 60XX. I've found numerous examples on third party sites, but I have yet to find anything on the USCG.mil website. Is there a particular SOP or inventory I can look at to prove that the helicopters use four-number call signs beginning with 60?

The smalller helos also seem to begin with 65, but I can't find any documentation on those either.

I can't give you an authoritative answer - hopefully 'sardaddy' will do that. You can PM him if you like.

1. Don't confuse 'call signs' with 'tail numbers' or 'registration numbers' or 'serial numbers'. Call signs are for radio traffic and may or may not be the tail number, depending on the nature of the traffic. A call sign could just as easily be something like "Jigsaw One" or "Speedbird 3073"

2. I believe you are correct that the tail numbers for Jayhawks are 60xx and the tail numbers for Dolphins are generally 65xx. However, that only works if you have less that 100 aircraft and I think the Coast Guard may have a few more than 100 Dolphins.

I think the dolphins might spill over to 66XX, but I'm not 100% sure.

Most of this is based on personal experience. I've have heard USCG helos talking with civilian Air Traffic Control. They typically identify as "Coast Guard 60XX" or "Coast Guard Rescue 60XX" depending on the type of case they're running. However, I can't find any official documents that reference these numbers.

I'll try to send sardaddy a PM and see if he can help.

Answered your PM but this is all correct. All CG aircraft use their tail number with "Coast Guard" in front of it as their call signs for most operations. You will hear other calls signs occasionally but it is for specific operations.

Yes, H-60s are 60XX going up to about 6060. H-65s just recently went over 100 in inventory so we do have a few with 66XX call signs but most are 65XX.

Where it gets confusing is on the fixed wing side. Falcon Jets are usually a 21XX call sign while C130s use a 15XX or 17XX call sign and I have no idea what the new 144 is using as a call sign.

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And to throw a wrench in the blades, what does the name become with the President of the United States on board (flying, of course) regardless of tail number?<!-- Edit -->

Last Edited : 10/5/2009 11:14:55 PM GMT

Air force two!

If the POTUS is flying on a CG aircraft, it would become "Coast Guard One" I believe. When he's on the Marine Corps helicopter, it's "Marine One".

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If the President ever tried to get on another service's helo, the Marines would probably stage a Son Tay raid to extract him.

We have a winner.

xshiprider reappears. good to see you back!!

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WITHOUT using google, name the 7 uniformed services of the United States.

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4x DoD + Coast Guard + Public Health Service.

Don't know the other one.

Correct. The last one is SOMETIMES a seagoing service.

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Another one for fun. What is the only sport where the DEFENSE keeps the ball?

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Can't forget the Air Force...they might get sad haha.

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Baseball or softball...defense keeps the ball. I would think cricket too if you look at the bowler and wicketkeeper as defense along with the rest of the fielders

Excellent answer!

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How often is a Comms check with a helo and a fixed wing?

Man it has been a while since I was WATCHSTANDER qualified but, I believe it is 30 min. for fixed and 15 min for helo? Haha a little rusty sorry, I know at my station we used to do 30 unless it was night time or stormy.

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its 30 for regular operations, when they are close to a TOI its 15.

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Stationed in Key West, FL
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. -John 15:13

Aircraft only do a "comms check" if they don't think their radios are working or if they are completing the check before takeoff to ensure the radios work as needed.

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