Unit History
U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Sector Lake Michigan traces it’s roots to USCG Base Milwaukee, which was initially a depot for the Ninth Lighthouse District constructed in 1907. Used to store, maintain, and repair vessels and shore-based facilities, Base Milwaukee was part of the Milwaukee Port District, located on the Kinnickinnic River connecting to Lake Michigan. In 1967, Base Milwaukee moved to the present day building for Sector Lake Michigan. Once there, Station Milwaukee and MSO Milwaukee followed suit and arrived in 1970, establishing Group Milwaukee.
In 2005, Sector Lake Michigan was established when the USCG created Sector Commands by integrating Groups, Marine Safety Offices, Vessel Traffic Services, and in some cases Air Stations to more effectively manage the sweeping changes in our operational environment.
The creation of Sector Lake Michigan unified operational command and control functions for Group Milwaukee, MSO Milwaukee, MSO Chicago, and Group Grand Haven. This placed the full range of our missions under a single, local operational commander within a reasonably sized area of operations resulting in increased interaction and coordination of USCG missions, the development of a common operating picture, and the rapid sharing of information and intelligence. Since its creation, the units in the Sector Lake Michigan area of responsibility have changed. Located just south of downtown Milwaukee, Sector Lake Michigan controls nearly all of Lake Michigan under command of the Great Lakes District for the USCG. Sector Lake Michigan is one of 35 Sector commands throughout the country. Sector Lake Michigan is currently the parent command of 11 Small Boat Stations, 2 Marine Safety Units, 2 Aids to Navigation teams, 1 Detached Duty Unit, and 1 Sector Field Office.