History of Coast Guard Island in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 24, 2025

Coast Guard Island, an artificial island in the Oakland Estuary, serves as a major Coast Guard base, housing commands like the Coast Guard Pacific Area. It is among the largest Coast Guard bases on the West Coast. From 1942 to 1982, the island functioned as the Coast Guard's recruiting training center, where it enlisted and trained hundreds of thousands of Coast Guardsmen. A significant number of these individuals went on to serve in both the Pacific and European Theaters during World War II. This location plays a vital role in Coast Guard operations and has a notable historical connection to wartime service.

1913: Formation of Government Island

In 1913, Government Island was formed by the dredging project that extended the Oakland Estuary to San Leandro Bay.

1926: Coast Guard Establishes "Base 11"

In 1926, the Coast Guard first came to Government Island and established "Base 11".

September 1931: Title to Land Given for Permanent Base

In September 1931, an executive order gave title to a 15-acre tract of land for a permanent Coast Guard base.

1933: Improvements to Base 11

By 1933, improvements were made to Base 11, including streets, utilities, spur tracks, a trestle bridge from Oakland, a transformer station, and rebuilding of the existing wharves.

1939: Land Acquisition from Alameda

In 1939, an area of 35 acres was acquired from the City of Alameda.

1939: Amalgamation of the Lighthouse Service

In 1939, the shore establishment expanded with the amalgamation of the Lighthouse Service.

1940: Establishment of a Training Center

In 1940, a training center was established to meet the Coast Guard's increased personnel needs.

February 21, 1942: Awarding of First Contract

On February 21, 1942, the first contract was awarded for five barracks, mess hall and galley, engineering and administration buildings, an infirmary, roadways, heating, plumbing, electrical and fire protection.

June 1, 1942: Opening of the Training Center

On June 1, 1942, the training center was first opened, with accommodations for 900 men, solely to train recruits.

June 30, 1942: Completion of First Contract

On June 30, 1942, the first contract was completed for five barracks, mess hall and galley, engineering and administration buildings, an infirmary, roadways, heating, plumbing, electrical and fire protection, at a cost of $1,680,082.94.

1942: Coast Guard's Recruiting Training Center Site

In 1942, Coast Guard Island became the site of the Coast Guard's recruiting training center (boot camp).

June 1, 1982: Closure of Training Center and Establishment of Support Center

On June 1, 1982, the Training Center was closed and Support Center Alameda was established, also Coast Guard Island was renamed Coast Guard Island.

1982: End of Boot Camp on Coast Guard Island

In 1982, the Coast Guard's recruiting training center (boot camp) on Coast Guard Island was closed.

June 24, 1987: Establishment of Maintenance & Logistics Command Pacific

On June 24, 1987, Maintenance & Logistics Command Pacific was established and located on Coast Guard Island until its decommissioning.

March 15, 1996: Redesignation to Integrated Support Command Alameda

On March 15, 1996, the Support Center was redesignated as Integrated Support Command Alameda, now known as Base Alameda.

2013: Decommissioning of Coast Guard Units

In 2013, Coast Guard Electronic Support Unit (ESU) Alameda and Naval Engineering Support Unit (NESU) Alameda were decommissioned, but their functions remained as departments within Base Alameda.