Coast Guard Q&A: Who Works on Coast Guard Island and What Do They Do?

What units are located on Coast Guard Island?

When a visitor nears the security gate at the end of the Dennison Street Bridge, a sign on the right lists the following commands operating within Coast Guard Island:

• Pacific Area and Defense Forces West Command
• 11th Coast Guard District
• Maritime Intelligence Fusion Center
• Training Team West
• Maritime Safety & Security Team San Francisco
• Naval Engineering Support Unit Alameda
• Electronics Support Unit Alameda
• Personnel Services and Support Unit Alameda
• Health Services Work Life Alameda
• National Security Cutter Bertholf
• National Security Cutter Waesche
• High Endurance Cutter Morgenthau

The overall host command, Base Support Unit Alameda, supports the infrastructure, provides security and maintains the communications lifelines for its tenant commands.

Each of these commands have unique operational and support frameworks that work interdependently to achieve the missions of Homeland Security, Search and Rescue, Marine/Maritime Safety and Environmental Protection.

Historically, the Coast Guard’s presence on the West Coast dates back to 1848, when the Revenue Cutter Lawrence was dispatched to San Francisco to maintain maritime order during the chaotic days of the California Gold Rush.

Growing from that one ship, the Coast Guard’s Bay Area presence now includes more than 4,000 active duty and reserve members. In addition, more than 3,500 volunteer Coast Guard Auxiliary members assist in many Coast Guard mission areas, including boating safety and search and rescue.

Past questions and answers about life on Coast Guard Island are  and  and . Do you have something you'd like to know about the Coast Guard? Post your question in the comments.