Coast Guard Woods Hole
U.S. Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England Relocation Information
Welcome to U.S. Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England
The U.S. Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England (SENE) is located in Woods Hole, MA. The site has had a maritime presence since 1857. The United States Lighthouse Service purchased property in Woods Hole to support buoys, lights, and lightships. In 1939, the Lighthouse Service merged with the U.S. Coast Guard.
Over the decades, the location evolved into the headquarters of Group Woods Hole, which coordinated multiple stations, aids-to-navigation units, cutters, and support elements for southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island waters.
After 2006, the location became known as Sector Southeastern New England. Its core missions focus on Search and Rescue, Maritime Law Enforcement, Aids to Navigation, Maritime Safety & Marine and Environmental Protection, and Homeland Security.
Frequently Asked Questions About Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England
1. What subordinate units are part of SENE?
The Coast Guard lists 14 units that fall under SENE’s command structure. Some of these include the following:
- USCG Station Woods Hole
- Aids to Navigation Team Woods Hole
- USCG Station Chatham
- USCG Station Menemsha
2. What departments exist at SENE?
- Response Department (SAR, law enforcement, pollution response)
- Prevention Department (inspections, investigations, waterways management)
- Logistics Department
3. What is the Area of Responsibility (AOR) at SENE?
SENE covers over 3,000 square miles of offshore waters and approximately 1,200 miles of coastline, including Cape Cod, Buzzards Bay, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, Southern Massachusetts, and the Rhode Island Coastline.
4. What scenarios does SENE frequently respond to?
Typically, the Coast Guard at SENE responds to vessel groundings, ferry emergencies, small craft rescues, ATON discrepancies, oil spills/groundings in Buzzards Bay, severe-weather port conditions, and fisheries enforcement.
5. What is the zip code for Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England?
The zip code for USCG SENE is 02543.
6. What is the BAH for Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England?
The BAH for Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England ranges from $3,696 for E-1 to $4,548 for E-9 with dependents, and from $3,942 for O-1 to $5,241 for O-6 with dependents. See the BAH section for more info.
Base Location and Information
Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England Address:
1 Little Harbor Rd.
Woods Hole, MA 02543
Woods Hole is within the town of Falmouth at the southwestern tip of Cape Cod. Nearby Islands include Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. Inland, SENE is close to the cities of Mashpee, Sandwich, Plymouth, and New Bedford, MA.
The Steamship Authority’s main ferry terminal is located in Woods Hole. Thousands of visitors pass through the town since it is the primary departure point for Martha’s Vineyard. The area is small and busy, especially during the summer months because of ferry tourist activity, so commuting times for service members stationed at SENE can be affected by traffic depending on where they choose to live off base.
Arrival Lodging
There isn’t a lodging facility or barracks directly at Sector Southeastern New England, but many service members stay at Base Cape Cod’s arrival lodging. Wing’s Inn is the temporary lodging run by the USCG MWR at Base Cape Cod.
Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England Housing
There is no on-base housing at Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England.
Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England Off-Base Housing
Photo by Durrace from Getty Images via Canva.com
Popular neighborhoods near SENE include Woods Hole, Gansett, Quissett, and various neighborhoods within Falmouth. Woods Hole, Gansett, and Quissett are the closest to SENE, but they have a higher demand due to location and charm. Downtown Falmouth, or Falmouth Village, is another popular option for service members because of its walkability and amenities like restaurants and shops. North Falmouth is considered to be a more residential, family-friendly area.
Base Search
Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England BAH
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a U.S.-based allowance determined by geographic duty location, pay grade, and dependency status. It provides uniformed service members compensation based on housing costs in local civilian housing markets when government quarters are not provided. Learn more about your Basic Allowance for Housing.
Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England is near Woods Hole, MA. Sample Coast Guard SENE rates for zip code 02543:
- E-1 with dependents: $3,696
- E-1 without dependents: $2,949
- E-9 with dependents: $4,548
- E-9 without dependents: $3,954
- O-1 with dependents: $3,942
- O-1 without dependents: $3,465
- O-7 with dependents: $5,241
- O-7 without dependents: $4,404
Area Weather and Climate
The climate around Woods Hole is moderate and mild due to the surrounding Atlantic waters. Winter and spring are colder seasons, while summer and fall are mild and pleasant. The typical highs in the summer are in the low 70s, and it is often foggy and humid. There’s moderate precipitation throughout the year, but relatively light snowfall. Since the area is on the coast, it’s prone to nor’easters.
Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England Area Schools
School-age children residing in Woods Hole, MA, will attend Falmouth Public Schools. The public school system serves grades K-12, and there are several elementary schools in the area: Morse Pond School for grades 5-6, Lawrence School for grades 7-8, and Falmouth High School for grades 9-12.
For families considering private education, Private School Review is a helpful resource for researching local options. Those interested in homeschooling should adhere to the regulations outlined by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
While there isn’t a school liaison specifically for Falmouth Public Schools, there is Coast Guard–specific school liaison support through the USCG Office of Work Life.
Support for Military and Families
While Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England does not offer on-base support, Base Cape Cod MWR offers support for service members and their families within the region.
Things To Do Near Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England
- Woods Hole Science Aquarium is a small, free public aquarium with a touch tank, local marine species, and occasional seal feedings.
- Nobska Lighthouse is located at Nobska Point at Woods Hole and is a popular tourist destination with great views.
- The Shining Sea Bikeway is a 10.7-mile paved path through Woods Hole and Falmouth for biking and walking.
- The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) each offer tours to the public.
- Stoney Beach, or Hermit-crab Beach, is a family-friendly public beach perfect for exploring and shell collecting.
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Base Address:
1 Little Harbor Road
Woods Hole
,
02543