WHO IS IN COMMAND OF AIR STATION ELIZABETH CITY?
CAPTAIN J. T. HARDIN
Captain John T. Hardin assumed command of Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, North Carolina, in July of 2008. As one of the oldest air units in the Coast Guard, Air Station Elizabeth City has proudly served the nation and the citizens of North Carolina since 1940. Under Captain Hardin's leadership, the Air Station operates a fleet of five MH-60 helicopters and five HC-130J fixed-wing aircraft executing Homeland Security and Maritime Safety missions throughout the eastern Atlantic region.
Captain Hardin graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT on 23 May 1984 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering. After graduation he reported to his first duty station, the CGC SHERMAN (WHEC-720) based in San Francisco, CA. From June 1984 until February 1986 his duties included Engineer of the Watch, Auxiliary Officer, Electrical Officer, and Fueling Officer. In March 1985, Captain Hardin was selected to attend Naval Flight Training where he received his wings in May 1987. After a transition to the HU-25A aircraft, he reported to Air Station Miami where he performed the duties of Morale Officer, Assistant. Public Works Officer, Aviation Material Officer, and Student Engineer from June 1987 to May 1992. During this tour he became dual-qualified in the HH-65A helicopter and became the first qualified co-pilot in the new HU-25C Air Interceptor aircraft. In June 1992, he assumed the duties as the Rotary Wing Assistant Engineer, Aircraft Salvage Officer, and HH-65A Instructor Pilot at Activities San Diego, CA.
Captain Hardin’s next assignment was in San Francisco, CA from June 1996 to May 1999 where he served as the Engineering Officer, HH-65A Instructor Pilot, and President of the Flight Examining Board. During this tour he attended the University of Phoenix earning an MBA in Technologies Management. From June 1999 through April 2002, he served as the HU-25 Product Line Manager at the Aircraft Repair and Supply Center (ARSC) in Elizabeth City, NC. In May 2002, Captain Hardin transferred to the Engineering Industrial Supply Center as the ARSC Chief Engineer.
He established and assumed command of the C-130J Aircraft Project Office April 2003 where he was responsible for supporting the acquisition, conversion, maintenance deployment, initial familiarization and operational deployment of the HC-130J. In addition, the C-130J Aircraft Project Office supported operational missions for the Atlantic Area and Pacific Area Commands as directed by the Office of Aviation Forces. Captain Hardin assumed the duties of the Response Division Chief for the Eighth Coast Guard District in July 2006 until his transfer to Air Station Elizabeth City, NC.