According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the Coast Guard is divided into two area commands, the Atlantic Area and Pacific Area. The areas are further divided into nine district commands.

The Atlantic Area includes five district commands covering the Eastern United States, the Atlantic Ocean, the Great Lakes, and the Gulf of Mexico. The Pacific area includes four district commands covering the Western United States and the Pacific Ocean.

Domestically, there are many Coast Guard bases peppered throughout the shores of the United States.

The Coast Guard also has a robust international presence, including three permanent international units. Patrol Forces Southwest Asia (PATFORSWA) is the Coast Guard’s largest unit outside of the United States.

The Coast Guard has two commands (Activities Europe and Activities Far East) that support the Coast Guard’s Maritime Safety and Security mission, conducting marine inspection, marine investigation, and international port security operations to ensure the integrity of the Marine Transportation System.

The Coast Guard also has personnel assigned to nine Defense Department Combatant Commands and often has a presence on all seven continents and all of the world’s oceans, projecting national sovereignty with their icebreakers, National Security Cutters, aviation assets, and deployable specialized forces.

But where do Coasties live? When living as part of the military community, understanding and familiarizing yourself with Coast Guard bases can help make day-to-day military life smoother. 

This guide provides a detailed overview of Coast Guard bases (also known as Coast Guard Stations), their locations, and the services they offer, ensuring you’re prepared whether you're arriving at a new post or just exploring your options. 

What Makes Coast Guard Bases Unique? 

Unlike bases in other branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, Coast Guard facilities are specifically located where they can support maritime operations. This means you’ll find them near ports, coasts, and areas of strategic significance on rivers and waterways. The proximity to water not only serves their mission but often offers a unique lifestyle with access to waterfront amenities. For military families, Coast Guard bases also provide a sense of community, resources, and family-friendly activities–all essential during transitions or deployments. 

Many cities have made special efforts to acknowledge the professional work of the Coast Guard men and women assigned to their area. Making Coasties and their families feel at home in their home away from home is an invaluable contribution to morale and service excellence. The Coast Guard, for this purpose, created the Coast Guard Cities program which recognizes cities that have extended many considerations to the Coast Guard family and their dependents.

Major U.S. Coast Guard Bases 

1. Coast Guard Base Alameda (California) 

Situated on the San Francisco Bay, Coast Guard Base Alameda is a strategic operational hub for missions across the Pacific. It’s home to several Coast Guard cutters and the Pacific Area Headquarters. 

California has a large Coast Guard presence with stations located in Bodega Bay, Oxnard, Sausalito, Eureka, Tahoe City, San Pedro, Monterey, Morro Bay, Noyo River, Rio Vista, San Diego, San Francisco, and Vallejo.   

2. Coast Guard Base Seattle (Washington) 

Base Seattle supports operations in the Pacific Northwest, with missions focused on maritime law enforcement and environmental protection. This base also maintains several critical cutters and operational command centers. 

There are also Coast Guard bases located in Bellingham, Cape Disappointment, Grays Harbor, Neah Bay, Port Angeles, La Push, and Willapa Bay. To the south, in Oregon, there are Coast Guard Stations located in Chetco River, Bandon, Depoe Bay, Portland, Florence, Garibaldi, Winchester Bay, and Newport.

3. Coast Guard Base Miami Beach (Florida) 

Known for its warm climate and vibrant community, Base Miami Beach coordinates vital missions, including search and rescue operations in the bustling waters of the Atlantic and Caribbean. 

In the south, Coast Guard bases are located in Texas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Puerto Rico, Georgia, South Carolina; and in the Mid-Atlantic region, there are Coast Guard bases in North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland; and in the north, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, New York, and Delaware.

4. Coast Guard Headquarters (Washington, D.C.) 

While not a conventional Coast Guard base, the D.C. headquarters serves as the center for leadership and administrative operations. It’s a prime destination for military families with members in senior Coast Guard service roles. 

5. Coast Guard Station Kodiak (Alaska) 

Kodiak Station is the largest of all Coast Guard bases in the United States and critical to missions in the rugged and often treacherous waters of Alaska and the Arctic. Its unique location makes it one of the most adventurous posts in the country. 

Alaska also has Coast Guard bases in Juneau, Ketchikan, and Valdez.

6. Coast Guard Base Boston (Massachusetts)

A central hub for missions in New England, Base Boston is critical for maritime safety, port security, and coastal environmental protection. 

To the west, around the Great Lakes region, there are Coast Guard bases in Duluth and several active stations in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

7. Coast Guard Base Honolulu (Hawaii) 

This tropical oasis serves vital missions in the Pacific, including search and rescue and environmental protection. With its scenic beauty, Base Honolulu is a coveted assignment for many service members. 

The Coast Guard also has a station in Maui, Kauai, and there is a station in Guam at Apra Harbor.

Smaller Yet Significant Coast Guard Bases

While the major Coast Guard bases often take the spotlight, smaller bases play an equally important role in Coast Guard operations. Here are a few notable ones:

• Coast Guard Station Key West (Florida) – A small but vital station focusing on law enforcement and drug interdiction missions.
• Coast Guard Sector Charleston (South Carolina) – Covers operations along the southeastern coastline with a close-knit community.
• Coast Guard Station Cape May (New Jersey) – Known as the Coast Guard's boot camp, it’s where all enlisted members complete their training.

No matter where you live, there are likely Coast Guard bases near you that help protect you whether you realize it or not.