The first cutters came to the Northwest in the 1850's
and home ported in Port Angeles and Port Townsend. Cutters rarely came
into Seattle until the late 1800's. Up through World War II the cutters
were home ported all along the Seattle waterfront. After the war,
cutters still tied up at Pier 70 and other moorings, in addition to the
Navy's Pier 91 and the old "North Base" on the south side of the Ship
Canal just inside the Locks acquired with the integration of the
Lighthouse Service in 1939.
Pier 36 was built in 1925 by the Pacific Steamship Company which
included (BLDG 1). The federal government acquired the location in 1940
for use as a regional Port of Embarkation. Pier 37 was constructed in
1941 to expand port facilities. In 1960, the facility was taken over by
the Army Corps of Engineers and used as their district headquarters. In
1965, the Port of Seattle took title to both piers. In 1966, the Coast
Guard got the opportunity to acquire the Pier 36 complex from the Army,
and at last could have a home for all of the Seattle based units and
their support facilities that were scattered all over Seattle.
In 1999, the Coast Guard took title to the building 7 warehouse from the
Army Corps of Engineers & has been gradually renovating it for office &
logistical uses. Pacific Steamship's building (BLDG 1) remains the hub
for business at the facility. BSU Seattle provides support to over 1,650
active duty & reserve CG employees assigned to numerous vessels & shore
commands. As the only substantial military facility left in King County,
BSU Seattle also provides key support to over 30,000 local military
retirees & family members from all of the armed services.