Brief History

United States Coast Guard
Base Support Unit Honolulu
"Providing Premier Pacific Support"
BSU Honolulu evolved from the former U.S. Lighthouse Service Depot at both Pier 4 and a five-acre plot on Sand Island. The property was acquired in 1939 by the Coast Guard when it absorbed the Lighthouse Service. In 1945, an additional five acres were acquired and the Base Sand Island was established. Its primary mission of buoy repair was expanded to include industrial, shipping and receiving support.

Base Sand Island continued to grow in size and responsibilities, eventually reaching 48.6 acres. Some comptroller functions were moved to the base, as well a medical and dental facility. MWR facilities were added and expanded. Family housing was built on Red Hill. In 1988, Base Sand Island became Group/Base Honolulu, with the added responsibility of search and rescue and law enforcement within the Hawaiian Islands.

In May 1996, Base and Group Honolulu became separate commands, with the Group retaining responsibility for the operational missions. Base Honolulu again increased responsibilities and became BSUHonolulu, a separate command.

Responsibilities and Services
The BSU combined elements of the 14th Coast Guard District to become a full service, support command providing base functions, as well as financial functions.

The myriad of support functions includes: engineering support for ships and facilities; hazardous materials management; housing; comptroller services; galley support; and MWR services. The BSU still maintains a buoy depot and overhauls buoys, as it has done since before 1938.

From Hawaii to Guam to Japan, BSU Honolulu supports 35 commands throughout the 14th District area of responsibility.  read more...

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