Ketchikan is a Proud Coast Guard City!

The purpose of the Coast Guard City program is to recognize the communities that show unusual and extraordinary support to their local Coast Guard units.  Through this program, the Coast Guard says thank you to the communities they serve.  This program formally recognizes and rewards communities for their continued support.  It promotes good will and encourages other cities to develop similar programs and activities.

.

The Coast Guard City program was enacted in 1998 and currently there are currently 29 cities that have obtained this designation nation-wide.

---

 Ketchikan, Alaska was first recognized as a Coast Guard City on May 11, 2015.  The Coast Guard has been an important presence in our community for over 100 years.  Ketchikan recognizes that the Coast Guard members of Base Ketchikan touch every aspect of life through lifesaving emergency response, economic support and volunteerism of the members. They enhance the community through their service and friendship.

.

There is an active Coast Guard auxiliary program in Ketchikan that also provides support to the community and to the Coast Guard through annual clean-ups, and other volunteer activities, including collaborating with Ketchikan’s Rotary 2000 Club on the “Kids Don’t Float” program.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

---

The City of Ketchikan  has supported Base Ketchikan by providing for fire and EMS service through a Memorandum of Agreement, by providing meeting room space at the local Fire Department, by featuring and including the Coast Guard in local events, such as the 4^th of July parade, Blueberry Arts Festival, Blessing of the Fleet, and others.

.

The municipally owned Ketchikan Public Utilities put policies in place to make it easier for Coast Guard families to establish service, and during the 2018-2019 federal government shut-down, waived late fees and disconnects.

.

Every year, when new Coast Guard members arrive, Ketchikan hosts a welcome night. The Ketchikan Public Library, Ketchikan Public Utilities, local nonprofit agencies and other groups gather to provide information about all there is to do in Ketchikan to make the new residents feel at home right away.

.

.

.

---

The men and woman of the Coast Guard are an important part of any community that has economic ties to the oceans and waterways.

.

We in Ketchikan are fortunate to have these guardians in our community and we are pleased to hold the honor of being a “Coast Guard City"!

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

---

The Coast Guard serves their communities through their six major operational mission programs:

Maritime Law Enforcement

Maritime Response

Maritime Prevention

Marine Transportation Management

Maritime Security Operations

Defense Operations