Ketchikan, AK

U.S. Coast Guard Base Ketchikan Upgrade

Client: US Coast Guard
Our Role: Lead Designer

Waterfront view of U.S. Coast Guard building with red roof and retaining wall in Ketchikan, Alaska

The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) needed to upgrade its base in Ketchikan, Alaska, to accommodate two incoming Fast Response Cutters (FRCs) — critical assets for homeland security, law enforcement, and search-and-rescue missions across the Alaskan coastline. The facilities had to support around-the-clock operations remotely while minimizing disruption to ongoing base activities. The client also prioritized sustainable design and long-term performance.

GFT led the architectural and engineering design for the comprehensive upgrade. The team carefully phased the design-build project to allow demolition and construction to proceed with minimal interruption to daily base operations. To support phased construction, GFT developed temporary pier moorings, storage, and utility solutions. These included off-site moorage and a temporary hazmat facility to maintain uninterrupted operations throughout construction. The team also coordinated closely with USCG, regulatory agencies, and the contractor to overcome marine construction limitations. These included environmental regulations, narrow construction windows, and challenging geotechnical conditions.

Key Features

400-foot floating piers with guide piles, gangway, utilities, and power connections.
Relocation and re-anchoring of floating breakwater mooring.
Cathodic protection system with aluminum anodes on in-water steel piles.
Partial demolition and reconstruction of the south wharf with a 5,000-square-foot crane wharf.
Specially anchored seawall and reinforced foundation system designed to withstand 144-mph winds.
Two-story, 12,640-square-foot Maintenance Augmentation Team and hazmat building with administrative offices and containment systems.
Additions and remodeling to the existing armory building.
New electrical substation and compressor shed.
Additional upper base parking and upgraded utility infrastructure.

Outcomes

Enabled the secure, efficient homeporting of two FRCs.
Ensured continuous operations throughout demolition and construction.
Delivered modern, mission-ready facilities aligned with USCG operational needs.
Improved safety, logistics, and environmental performance across the base.
Improved sustainability and long-term operational efficiency by designing facilities to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver standards.