During World War II it was Coast Guardsmen that spearheaded experimentation with rotary wing flight and introduced the helicopter to naval aviation. Among the successful operations were lifesaving missions of mercy, evaluations of the feasibility of operating helicopters from ships, and the employment of dipping sonar in searching for submerged submarines. One example of a Coast Guard helicopter on display is an HO3S-1G that was delivered in 1950, and was part of the first all rotary wing search and rescue unit in the Coast Guard. Read more about this aircraft.

An element of the exhibit quickly noted by visitors is the helm unit removed from the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Westwind (WAGB 281), which includes the wheel, gyrocompass repeater, and foot rail. Commissioned on September 18, 1944, the vessel had an interesting history in that it was briefly transferred to the Soviet Navy for service during World War II and beyond. Returned to Coast Guard service in 1951, Westwind spent most of her subsequent service in the Arctic and Antarctic performing duties and supporting scientific expeditions to the regions.  She was decommissioned in 1988. Westwind measured 269 feet in length and displaced 6,515 tons when built. Among the nicknames bestowed upon her by those who served in the ship were "Big Red of the Gulf Coast" and "Wandering Arctic Garbage Barge," the latter using the letters of the designation for cutter (WAGB).

A colorful element of the exhibit is one of the from the aircraft hangar that was on board the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Northwind (WAGB 282). During the vessel's numerous deployments in the latter part of her operational service, helicopter detachments assigned for particular cruises began a tradition of painting a panel of the hangar bulkhead to commemorate their time on board. This panel from 1986 reflects Aviation Detachment 112's mission on its cruise, which involved assisting the governments of Denmark and Greenland in reestablishing a musk-ox herd in the latter nation.