ISC Kodiak

Located in the city with the same name in Alaska, Integrated Support Command Kodiak is currently the largest operating installation run by the United States Coast Guard. It spreads over 23,000 acres and holds another record for the one and only base in the US Coast Guard that can support and host both aircrafts and ships. Some of the most important ships hosted include Munro, Spar and Alex Haley. The base is split in three major branches – Base Support, Health Safety Worklife and Personnel Service and Support. The branches turned independent during a complete restructuring process.

History

The history of ISC Kodiak dates back to the times before World War II. It all started with NAS Kodiak, an installation established by the United States Navy and commissioned on June, 15-th, 1941. The base was set up as an answer to World War II, which was already running in Europe. The United States of America already knew they were about to step in, so the country was empowered with dozens of similar installations. After World War II ended, the base was turned into a detachment, but still under the United States Navy. The move was made in the spring of 1947. One aircraft, seven experienced pilots and thirty other workers were deployed on site.

About 25 years later, in 1972, the site was turned into what it is today. The modernization process began around 2000, when multiple installations owned by the United States Coast Guard were taken through a round of improvements and upgrades. This is when ISC Kodiak was split into the three major branches that form it today.

Mission

The primary mission at ISC Kodiak is to support all the operations and objectives of the United States Coast Guard, whether they imply ice patrolling, oil spills hunting, search and rescue missions or law enforcement activities. The activity is very intense on site, especially due to the active oil companies in the area, not to mention about the cold weather and the ice areas that must be constantly monitored. Other than that, the installation supports all the cutters relocated in the Pacific area whenever they require help or maintenance.

There are not less than thirteen units hosted at ISC Kodiak, so they are also part of the mission. Besides, the facilities must be kept at the highest standards and not just because this is the largest facility in the US Coast Guard, but also because of its important role and domination over the surrounding bases.

Facilities

The facilities at ISC Kodiak are quite advanced. The housing facilities are the most important ones, especially for those troops relocated from warmer parts of the country. When the process implies married individuals, the families usually have a hard time accommodating to the new lifestyle. Therefore, the authorities try to keep them entertained with a wide variety of recreational activities and sites. There are gyms, fitness clubs, a movie theater, a bowling center, a childcare center, an exchange, golf and basketball courts, swimming pools, traditional snack bars and the list can go on.