History
Narrative Summary
The Air Wing of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Coast Guard was formed in February 1966 with a Cessna 337. In early 1973 helicopters were purchased with the intention to operate them from the Camden Heliport/Chaguaramas. This resulted in the division of the Air Wing with the Fixed Wing Flight based at Piarco IAP/Port of Spain, and the helicopter unit based at Camden Heliport/Chaguaramas. The operations of the Rotary Wing Flight were transferred to civilian control in 1976 when it was renamed the Air Division of the Ministry of National Security. In 1977 the Air Wing became a separate branch of the TTDF. The Air Division of the Ministry of National Security became the National Helicopter Services Ltd in 1990 and obtained some Bo-105 helicopters the following year. The Air Wing saw huge expansion in the late nineties with the donation by the United States of two Piper PA-31s and two ex USAF C-26 Metros, the most capable aircraft in the current inventory. The aircraft are mainly operated in anti-narcotic and maritime patrol roles alongside US forces in the Caribbean, patrolling the important sea lanes surrounding the nation. The Air Wing was renamed Air Guard and the Special Anti-Crime Unit of Trinidad & Tobago was formed on 1.8.2005.
Key Dates
| February 1966 |
|
The Air Wing of the TTDFCG was formed. |
| 1973 |
|
The Air Wing was divided in the Fixed Wing Flight and Rotary Wing Flight. |
| 1976 |
|
Rotary Wing Flight was transferred to civilian control and renamed the Air Division of the Ministry of National Security. |
| 1977 |
|
The Air Wing became a separate branch of the TTDF. |
| 1990 |
|
The Air Division became the National Helicopter Services Ltd. |
| 1 August 2005 |
|
The Air Wing was renamed Air Guard and the Special Anti-Crime Unit of Trinidad & Tobago was formed. |
Current Status
The Air Guard is fully operational.
Future Plans
No information available.
Markings
National Insignia
Current — Historical
Aircraft Serial Numbers
First serials were allocated to aircraft in 1966. Serials began with number 1 and were used in chronological order as aircraft and helicopters arrived in the Air Guard. TTDF was used as a prefix for aircraft and helicopters of the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard Air Wing. Today only the serial number is applied on the tailfin of aircraft.
Unit/Base Codes
Coding system not used.
Aircraft
Aircraft Designations
None – Manufacturers designations used.
Current Aircraft Inventory
Table of Current Service Aircraft
All-Time Aircraft Used List
All-Time Table of Aircraft Used
Aircraft NOT Used
No false reports of aircraft on order or in service have been noted.
Organisation
Main Headquarters
Airways Road, Chaguaramas, Trinidad.
Organisational Structure
No information about sub-units of the Air Guard is available.
Current Order of Battle
Table of Current Order of Battle
Historical Orders of Battle
Historical Order of Battle (as at 1973)
Historical Order of Battle (as at 2010)
All-Time Flying Units List
Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard Air Wing
Fixed Wing Flight
Rotary Wing Flight
National Helicopter Service Ltd
Police Service – Air Support Unit
Special Anti-Crime Unit of Trinidad & Tobago
Air Bases
Current Air Bases
The Trinidad and Tobago Air Guard currently operates from one major airbase and one heliport.
All-Time Air Bases Used List
Military Air Bases Listing
More Information
Books
None.
Magazines
To be added.
Websites
None known.
