PHOTOS: Coast Guard Station on Yerba Buena Island

The U.S. Coast Guard's Sector San Francisco handles 585 miles of coastline and 2,500 miles of shore line in California and Oregon. Last year, it handled 1,557 search and rescue cases, and saved 291 lives. Its responsibilities include maritime safety and security, along with law enforcement, protection of natural resources and maritime traffic control. 

Along the San Mateo County coastside, the Coast Guard has assisted in operations such as search and rescue and oil spill prevention/response. In January, the agency was part of a unified response team which provided emergency assistance to the at Half Moon Bay's Francis Beach.

Half Moon Bay Patch editor Kristine Wong worked with the Coast Guard Sector San Francisco to set up a media briefing for Bay Area Patch editors earlier this year. Editors got an inside look at the station at Yerba Buena Island, including a tour of its Vehicle Traffic Service Center and a close up look at its fleet of response boats.

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