An aerial view of ongoing construction at Coast Guard Base Charleston, where the Coast Guard recently awarded a $230 million contract for new operational support facilities as part of a multi-year infrastructure expansion plan. Recent projects include construction of a 90,000-square-foot engineering complex, a 120,000-square-foot multifunctional building, a new parking structure, recapitalization of Pier Mike, and a new medical and dental facility. These efforts are part of more than $440 million in upgrades to transform Base Charleston into a premier East Coast operational base. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)
Below is a CGHQ news release. The photo and caption above accompanied an earlier news release.“U.S. Coast Guard announces $230 million contract for Base Charleston facilities, awarding over $440 million in recent infrastructure upgrades”
Coast Guard completes $132.5 million Pier November rebuild at Base Charleston
“Pier November will be home to new major Coast Guard cutters currently being constructed that will strengthen the Coast Guard’s ability to secure America’s borders and maritime approaches far at sea,” said Adm. Kevin Lunday, Commandant of the Coast Guard. “Base Charleston is critical to our operations and will be home to one of the largest concentrations of Coast Guard personnel, assets, and capabilities.”
The project included demolition and replacement of the existing Pier November, repairs to collapsed bulkheads, dredging and shoreside utility improvements. Construction crews also addressed remnants of previous pier repairs discovered during the project. The work was completed 60 days ahead of schedule.
The Coast Guard’s Facilities Design and Construction Center managed the project as part of a broader effort to expand and modernize Base Charleston. Additional work includes demolition and reconstruction of Pier Mike and construction of new engineering, multifunctional and medical facilities. Together, these investments will expand Base Charleston’s capacity and strengthen its ability to support critical Coast Guard missions. This project was initially funded by the Fiscal Year 2019 Hurricane Supplemental with the removal of previous pier repairs funded through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Below is the news release from CG-9. The release below, unlike the news release above, identifies the primary source of funding as the Fiscal Year 2019 Hurricane Supplemental.
https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Assistant-Commandant-for-Acquisitions-CG-9/Newsroom/Latest-Acquisition-News/Article/4622289/coast-guard-completes-recapitalization-of-pier-november-at-base-charleston/
Coast Guard completes recapitalization of Pier November at Base Charleston
The Coast Guard assumed operational use of the recapitalized Pier November at Base Charleston, South Carolina, Sept. 21, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing expansion of the campus and its operational capabilities. U.S. Coast Guard photo.
Oct. 8, 2026 —
On Sept. 21, the Coast Guard resumed operational use of Base Charleston’s Pier November, which can moor up to five major cutters, including the national security cutter. The new, larger pier (1,190 feet long by 80 feet wide) will enhance fleet readiness and operational capabilities.
This pier replacement and modernization project is part of the greater development of Base Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina, an effort that will allow the Coast Guard to better support critical missions.
Whiting-Turner Company of Baltimore completed the work under a $132.5 million contract awarded July 25, 2022. The aging pier and seawall created operational risks and constrained the ability to service vessels. The project finished 60 days ahead of schedule.
“This is a truly phenomenal win for the Coast Guard,” said Rear Adm. John Barresi, assistant commandant and program executive officer for shore. “This new pier is indeed a game changer for the service’s operational posture and readiness.”
The project involved demolishing the previous pier and replacing it with modern, resilient materials; repairing collapsed bulkheads on the seawall; dredging the channel; and upgrading utilities.
The project is primarily funded by the Fiscal Year 2019 Hurricane Supplemental. Following the discovery of additional buried pilings, the Coast Guard awarded a nearly $15 million contract modification, marking the first project funded by the historic investment in the Coast Guard through the fiscal year 2025 budget reconciliation.
For more information: Shore Programs