Who are we?

The very nature of the Coast Guard’s mission creates a need for understanding between the Coast Guard and the local community. Coast Guard commands seek to develop the kinds of relationships that enable unit commanders to sense public attitudes and interests. In turn, many cities have made special efforts to acknowledge the professional work of the Coast Guard members assigned to their area. Making Coast Guard members and their families feel at home in their home away from home is an invaluable contribution to morale and service excellence. The Coast Guard is honored to recognize Coast Guard Cities -- those cities that have extended many considerations to the Coast Guard family.

On Feb. 23, 2017, San Diego was designated as the largest (by square miles) Coast Guard City. This honor is bestowed with approval from Congress by the Commandant of the USCG to the City of San Diego. The designation is predicated on San Diego’s ability to erect monuments to the Coast Guard, organize civic celebrations and offer special recognition and support U.S. Coast Guard morale, welfare and recreational initiatives.

A Coast Guard City Designation is active for five years, at which time it is re-evaluated based on the support rendered since designation. San Diego was re-designated in 2022, and will seek renewal in 2027.

USCG in San Diego

In 1935, the City of San Diego provided 23 acres for the Coast Guard to establish an air station. Commander Elmer F. Stone, Coast Guard Aviator #1, was the first commanding officer in San Diego.

Since 1935, aircraft of all types have flown out of San Diego including seaplanes, helicopters and amphibious aircraft. In the 1960s operational and support missions combined with the air station to include rescue boats with CG Cutters. In 2004, the Coast Guard transferred to the Department of Homeland Security and the Coast Guard presence in San Diego was officially titled Sector San Diego.

Sector San Diego consists of five sub-units including Station San Diego, Aids to Navigation Team San Diego, (3) 87’ Patrol Boats (HADDOCK, SEA OTTER AND PETREL), and Air Station San Diego that supports and operates three MH-60T helicopters. The Sector has an Area of Responsibility spanning 120 miles of coastline, 750 miles of the Colorado River and the US-Mexico southwest maritime border. It also encompasses a Tier 1 Strategic Port with 300 million tons of cargo and oversees $4.6 billion in new ship construction at the largest deep draft vessel construction in the U.S.

Pacific Area Tactical Law Enforcement Team (PACTACLET), Marine Safety Response Team - West (MSRT-West), USCG San Diego Recruiting office, and a ready Coast Guard Reserve make up the remainder of the active Duty Coasties in the San Diego area. There are approximately 950 active-duty and reserve members stationed in San Diego!