News 2 - Closure of Coast Guard Rescue Operations in Charleston Delayed

News Article

By Evelyn Fernandez

South Carolina Senators Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott announced today that they have convinced the Coast Guard to delay closure of the Air Facility Charleston. The joint release by the two senators says that Admiral Paul Zukunft, the Commandant of the Coast Guard, has assured them that the facility will not be closed until December 15th. It was slated to shut down by November 30th.

"Closing the Air Facility Charleston will mean that the closest Coast Guard search and rescue helicopter will be almost 80 miles away," said Graham. "And when it comes to rescue missions, seconds and minutes are literally the difference between life and death. I'm hopeful the extra time will allow Congress to find the necessary funds to continue operation of this critical facility."

"Losing the Air Facility Charleston and its search-and-rescue helicopter would have serious implications on one of our nation's critical port cities and adversely impact the safety of mariners, residents and tourists in the region. Admiral Zukunft's commitment to delay closure of this important facility until at least December 15th is positive news for the Lowcountry," said Senator Scott. "With this extra time, it's my hope that the Coast Guard will look closely at the safety and economic benefits of the facility to South Carolinians and those in the region. I will continue to work closely with our Congressional delegation and the Coast Guard to explore options that will keep the Air Facility Charleston operational."

Graham and Scott noted Congress is set to return to work the week of November 10.

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