CLEARWATER, Fla. – Middle school students from Plato Academy of Palm Harbor recently stepped onto the tarmac of Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater for an immersive look into aviation operations and public service. Welcomed by Lieutenant Commander Drew Sonetirot, the group of middle school boys and girls gained firsthand insight into the station’s critical missions, the technology behind its success, and the dedicated personnel who uphold its “Always Prepared” motto.
Lieutenant Commander Sonetirot emphasized the human element driving the station’s operations. “Our aircraft and tools are vital, but it’s the teamwork and commitment of our staff that make the difference,” he told students, highlighting roles from pilots to maintenance crews. The tour included the maintenance hangar, where a C-27J Spartan and an MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter-key assets for search and rescue, drug interdiction, and environmental protection-were on display, with their friendly crews ready to give students a tour and answer their questions.
Collaboration in Action
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office helicopter unit familiar to us from a recent visit to Plato Academy of St. Petersburg, was present at the event, demonstrating how local and federal agencies coordinate during emergencies. “Whether it’s a hurricane evacuation or a high-stakes law enforcement operation, seamless communication between agencies saves lives,” explained a Sheriff’s Office representative. Students observed specialized equipment like the L3 Harris WESCAM MX-10 camera system, used for aerial surveillance in criminal pursuits and disaster response.
Inspiring Future Careers
Several students left the tour expressing interest in aviation and public safety careers. “Seeing how everyone works together to protect our community makes me want to be part of this,” said one eighth grader. Lieutenant Commander Sonetirot underscored the Coast Guard’s focus on mentorship and skill-building, noting that many roles-from aviation mechanics to cybersecurity specialists-are pathways to serving the nation.
A Legacy of Readiness
Air Station Clearwater, the Coast Guard’s largest air station, operates across the Caribbean and the Gulf, with forward bases in the Bahamas supporting counter-narcotics missions. The visit underscored how education and hands-on experience can bridge classroom learning to real-world impact-a lesson Plato Academy aims to reinforce through such partnerships.
“Days like this show students that their future isn’t limited to textbooks,” said Greek language teacher George Patides who accompanied the students . “It’s about finding a purpose and the team that helps you achieve it.”
We extend our sincere gratitude to Lieutenant Commander Drew Sonetirot and the entire team at Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater for their warm welcome and generous time. Their openness in sharing the station’s mission, operations, and the vital role of each team member made this visit an unforgettable learning experience for our students. The dedication and professionalism of the staff truly embody the spirit of service, and we are thankful for the opportunity to witness firsthand the commitment that keeps our communities safe.
August 4th; it commemorates the founding of the U.S. Coast Guard in 1790.
“Always Ready” (the Coast Guard motto).
Signalman First Class Douglas Munro; he received it posthumously for heroic actions during the Battle of Guadalcanal in World War II.
Coast Guard Academy is in New London, Connecticut; Basic Training is at Cape May, New Jersey.
Flight training is at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas; flight school lasts about 18 months.
Basic training is for enlisted personnel; OCS is for commissioning officers.
1972.
A nickname for the Avionics Electronic Technician’s portable communication device. (Available at the AET table in the hangar)
They maintain and repair survival equipment and conduct emergency medical care.
True.