Coast Guard Station Pascagoula to return to full operations in 2026

PASCAGOULA, Miss (WXXV)– The U.S. Coast Guard announced Tuesday that Coast Guard Station Pascagoula will return to full operations in 2026.

The facility went to a reduced capacity status in 2023 due to severe workforce shortages at the time.

According to Coast Guard officials, the return of Coast Guard Station Pascagoula to full response operations represents a local application of the national strategy in achieving operational control of the border and facilitating commerce.

Moving forward, the station directly contributes to controlling the southern maritime border by conducting operations to deter and interdict illegal migration and illicit trafficking.

Simultaneously, it facilitates commerce vital to economic security by controlling and securing the Port of Pascagoula against both physical and cyber threats, supporting the goal of U.S. maritime dominance.

Congressman Mike Ezell responded to Tuesday’s news as well. You can read his full statement below:

“Coast Guard Station Pascagoula plays a critical role in protecting our maritime border, supporting search and rescue missions, and safeguarding the Port of Pascagoula. I’m grateful to see the Coast Guard fully restoring these operations and ensuring our Coast Guard men and women have the staffing they need to do their jobs. As Chairman of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, I’ve been clear that readiness matters. Restoring full operations at Station Pascagoula improves safety for our mariners, strengthens national security, and protects one of Mississippi’s most important economic engines.”