The unit at LAX started as an aviation detachment in 1962 with two HO-4s helicopters and has since grown to a station supporting four HH-65C "Dolphin" Helicopters.  Air Station Los Angeles maintains a Search and Rescue helicopter 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and is responsible for protecting the coastal area of Southern California from Dana Point to Morro Bay.   On average, 200 SAR (search and rescue) cases are prosecuted every year.  In addition to SAR, Air Station LA helicopters provide Homeland Security Patrols for the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, and Port Hueneme in Ventura County.

 The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach comprise the largest cargo seaport in the United States and the fifth busiest in the world moving over 15 million containers every year.  In Addition to container traffic, the seaport is also the largest Cruise Ship port on the west coast. Additional Homeland Security responsibilities include the over water approach and departure corridors for Los Angeles International Airport, which handles more international flights than any other airport in the country. Over 60 million passengers and 1.8 millions tons of cargo travel through LAX each year. Finally, Air Station Los Angeles helicopters and personnel protect the ecologically rich waters surrounding the Channel Islands National Parks.