About Coast Guard Island
Coast Guard Island, located in Alameda, California, serves as a critical hub for the United States Coast Guard’s operations on the West Coast.
The island is home to several major units, including the Coast Guard Pacific Area Command and the Training Center for enlisted personnel.
With its strategic location near the San Francisco Bay, Coast Guard Island plays a vital role in maritime safety, security, and environmental stewardship in the region.
In this Article
Coast Guard Island Local Veterans Guide
If you’re stationed at Coast Guard Island in Alameda, California, or planning a move here, our veterans guide is your comprehensive resource for settling in. With its unique island location in the San Francisco Bay, Coast Guard Island offers on-base housing and easy access to nearby cities like Oakland and San Francisco. Explore local attractions, find military discounts, and get all the information you need for housing, financial resources, and services available to veterans stationed at Coast Guard Island.
Coast Guard Island Information
Contact Information
- Main Phone Number: +1 (510) 227-7300
- Housing Office: +1 (510) 227-7301
- Health Services Coordinator: +1 (510) 227-7302
- Family Support Office: +1 (510) 227-7303
- Legal Office: +1 (510) 227-7304
Address: Coast Guard Island, Alameda, CA 94501, United States
Mission
Coast Guard Island supports various Coast Guard missions, including search and rescue, environmental protection, and law enforcement.
It also serves as the operational headquarters for the Pacific Area Command, coordinating maritime operations from the Rocky Mountains to the western Pacific.
History
- Established: 1920s
- Significance:
- Initially used for ship repair and maintenance.
- Became a Coast Guard base in the 1940s.
- Today, it hosts the Coast Guard Pacific Area Command and serves as a training site.
- Key Contributions:
- Facilitates critical maritime operations and training.
- Supports disaster response and environmental protection missions.
Location
- Coordinates: 37.7854° N, 122.2711° W
- Website: Coast Guard Island Official Website
- Phone: (510) 437-3701
Hours of Operation
- Visitor Center: Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM–4:30 PM; Closed on weekends and holidays.
- Main Gate: Open 24/7
Base Location and Directions
- Address:
Coast Guard Island
Alameda, CA 94501 - Driving Directions:
- From Oakland International Airport: Take I-880 N to 16th Ave, then follow signs to Coast Guard Island (approx. 20 minutes).
- From Downtown Oakland: Drive south on I-880 S and exit at 16th Ave, then follow signs to Coast Guard Island (approx. 10 minutes).
Population
- Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 1,500
- Civilians and Contractors: Around 400
- Families and Dependents: Nearly 2,000
- Total Population Served: Over 3,900
Base Resources and Information
- Housing Options: Coast Guard Island offers limited on-base housing. Off-base housing options are available in nearby Alameda, Oakland, and surrounding cities. Contact the Housing Office for assistance at +1 (510) 227-7301.
- Off-base housing options include rentals and properties for purchase in Alameda, Oakland, and San Francisco.
- Current median home prices in Alameda: $1,200,000 (as of 2024).
- Base Transportation: Coast Guard Island is accessible via the Coast Guard Bridge, connecting it to the city of Alameda. Public transportation options are available, including BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), buses, and ferries for commuting to nearby cities like Oakland and San Francisco.
- Medical and Emergency Services: Medical care for Coast Guard Island personnel is provided by U.S. Coast Guard Health Services. Additional healthcare services are available at nearby medical facilities in Alameda and Oakland. For more information, contact the Health Services Coordinator at +1 (510) 227-7302.
- Dining Facilities: The base provides a small dining facility for active-duty personnel. Off-base, Alameda, Oakland, and San Francisco offer a wide range of dining options, from local eateries to fine dining, including popular spots along the waterfront.
- Fitness and Wellness Programs: Coast Guard Island has a fitness center equipped with cardio machines, weights, and group fitness classes. Outdoor recreational activities include access to nearby hiking trails, cycling paths, and water activities on the San Francisco Bay.
Education:
- On-Base Schools: Coast Guard Island does not have any on-base schools. Children of military families typically attend schools in the Alameda Unified School District or the Oakland Unified School District.
- Off-Base Schools: Families living off-base can access schools in Alameda, Oakland, and surrounding areas. Higher education opportunities are available at University of California, Berkeley and California State University, East Bay.
- Child Development Center (CDC): Coast Guard Island offers limited childcare services, with additional options available in nearby Alameda and Oakland. Contact the Family Support Office for more details.
Things to Do:
- Outdoor Activities: Coast Guard Island’s location in the San Francisco Bay offers plenty of outdoor recreational activities, including sailing, kayaking, and hiking. Nearby attractions include Jack London Square, Alameda Beach, and the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
- Shopping and Dining: The base has limited on-site shopping, but nearby Alameda, Oakland, and San Francisco offer extensive shopping and dining options. Popular destinations include Alameda Landing, Jack London Square, and San Francisco’s Ferry Building Marketplace.
Local Support and Resources:
- Veterans Service Organizations: Local veterans organizations, including VFW and American Legion posts in Alameda and Oakland, provide services and support for military members and veterans.
- Family Support Office: The Family Support Office provides deployment support, financial counseling, and family advocacy services. Contact them at +1 (510) 227-7303.
- Legal Services: The Legal Office provides assistance with wills, powers of attorney, and other legal matters. Contact the Legal Office at +1 (510) 227-7304 for more information.
Base History and Mission: Coast Guard Island serves as the home of Coast Guard Pacific Area Command and plays a critical role in maritime safety, security, and environmental protection missions across the Pacific region.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the primary function of Coast Guard Island? | Coast Guard Island serves as a major administrative and operational hub for the Pacific Area Command. |
| Where is Coast Guard Island located? | It is located in Alameda, California. |
| How can I contact Coast Guard Island? | You can contact them via phone at (510) 437-2904 or email [email protected]. |
| What units are based at Coast Guard Island? | Units such as the Eleventh Coast Guard District and Pacific Area Command are based here. |
| What type of training occurs at Coast Guard Island? | The island supports a variety of operational training for Coast Guard personnel stationed in the area. |
| Can civilians visit Coast Guard Island? | Access to Coast Guard Island is restricted, and civilians must obtain approval for entry. |
| What is the role of the Eleventh Coast Guard District? | It oversees Coast Guard operations along the Pacific coast and international waters. |
| Are there housing facilities on Coast Guard Island? | Yes, there are housing facilities for Coast Guard personnel. |
| What types of missions are managed from Coast Guard Island? | Search and rescue, environmental protection, and maritime law enforcement missions are managed here. |
| How do I apply for a position at Coast Guard Island? | You can apply through official Coast Guard recruitment channels or job listings on USAJobs.gov. |
All Military Bases in California
- Beale Air Force Base – Home of Advanced Reconnaissance Aircraft
- Camp Parks – Training Site for Army Reserve Personnel
- Camp Roberts – Comprehensive Training Center for U.S. Armed Forces
- Coast Guard Base Los Angeles/Long Beach – West Coast Support Hub
- Coast Guard Island – Administrative Hub for Pacific Operations
- Coast Guard Training Center Petaluma – Advanced Technical Training Facility
- Edwards Air Force Base – Air Force Testing and Development Center
- Fort Irwin – Home of the National Training Center
- Marine Corps Air Station Miramar – Base of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
- Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton – Major Marine Corps Training Facility
- Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow – Logistics Support Hub for the Corps
- Naval Air Station Lemoore – Navy’s Largest Master Jet Base
- Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake – Navy’s Weapons Development Center
- Naval Base Coronado – Premier Training Center for Naval Operations
- Naval Base San Diego – Major Navy Operating Base
- Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach – Ordnance Support Facility
- Presidio of Monterey – Defense Language Institute Headquarters
- Travis Air Force Base – Major Airlift and Logistics Hub
