MUSKEGON, Mich. (AP) — The U.S. Coast Guard is opening seasonal air facilities in Michigan and Illinois to boost Lake Michigan search and rescue operations during the spring and summer months.
The Coast Guard says Friday marks the start of operations at the facilities in Muskegon, Michigan, and Waukegan, Illinois.
Crews from the Detroit area operate Air Facility Muskegon while crews from Traverse City operate Air Facility Waukegan. The Coast Guard says that both of the air facilities will be staffed by two four-person aircrews and an MH-65D Dolphin helicopter.
The Coast Guard says quicker response times are among the benefits. The Muskegon and Waukegan air facilities will operate between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day.
