Portsmouth, Virginia and the United States Coast Guard have a long shared history that began in 1870 when the United States Lighthouse Service established a Lighthouse Depot on the Elizabeth River in Portsmouth to provide support for aids to navigation in Hampton Roads. In 1939 the Coast Guard and the Lighthouse Service merged, the Depot expanded and was renamed the Portsmouth Coast Guard Base. This base provided support to cutters, aids to navigation, and personnel. Over time, the need for expansion arose and land was purchased to create the only shore-based facility that was exclusive to the Coast Guard. In 1974 this new facility opened under the name Support Center Portsmouth. To meet the changes and growing demands of the Coast Guard, 1996 saw the birth of a new organization, the Integrates Support Command (ISC). The Integrated Support Command (ISC) Portsmouth was disestablished in 2009 and was replaced with three new units that are still active at present; Base Support Unit (BSU); Personnel Services and Support Unit (PSSU); and Health, Safety, and WorkLife Field Office (HSWL FO) Portsmouth to continue providing services to ISC customers while addressing necessary growth needed for this facility.

Portsmouth, Virginia, a Coastal Virginia city that has a history that spans more than 300 years, is located across the Elizabeth River from Downtown Norfolk. Portsmouth, a historic seaport, has ties to the United States Coast Guard and the United States Navy. In addition to a variety of shops and locally owned restaurants, Portsmouth has many interesting attractions for all ages that include the Virginia Children’s Museum, Beazley Planetarium, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum, Skipjack Marine Gallery, The Jewish Museum and Cultural Center, the historic Commodore Theatre, Lightship Portsmouth Museum, Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve, and more.

There is no housing available for those stationed at USCG Base Portsmouth. Coast Guard members and families must find housing in the surrounding communities. Among the preferred neighborhoods in Portsmouth are Edgefield, River Pointe, Hodges Manor, Sterling Point, and Simonsdale. Other areas that can be explored for housing are those in Norfolk, with many areas being less than an hour commute.

If you are PCSing to USCG Base Portsmouth and looking for housing, please contact us. Our dedicated team of realtors and loan officers are committed to helping our customers find their new home.