May 6, 2026 Governor Morrisey Applauds U.S. Coast Guard Decision to Locate Special Missions Command in West Virginia ...

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Governor Patrick Morrisey today applauded the U.S. Coast Guard's decision to establish its new Special Missions Command in Kearneysville, West Virginia, calling it a major victory for national security, military readiness, and the Mountain State's growing role in supporting critical federal operations.

"This is a tremendous win for West Virginia and a powerful vote of confidence in our state, our workforce, and our strategic importance to the nation," said Governor Morrisey. "The men and women serving in these elite units operate at the highest levels of readiness and professionalism, and we are honored that West Virginia will serve as the home for this critical mission."

The Coast Guard announced that the new command will be headquartered at the existing Coast Guard C5I Service Center facility in Kearneysville and is expected to be commissioned on or around October 1, 2026.

The Special Missions Command will unify the Coast Guard's deployable specialized forces under a single operational commander to improve readiness, coordination, interoperability, and response capabilities for emerging national and global threats.

According to the Coast Guard, the command will oversee several specialized operational units responsible for maritime counterterrorism, counter-trafficking operations, port and coastal security, expeditionary operations, underwater response capabilities, and emergency response to hazardous incidents and national disasters.

"West Virginia has a proud tradition of service to our country," Governor Morrisey said. "From our military installations to our National Guard to the dedicated men and women serving across federal agencies, our state continues to demonstrate that we are ready to lead and support missions critical to America's security."

The Coast Guard stated that the new command structure is intended to strengthen the Service's ability to respond to evolving threats, intensified border security activities, national emergencies, and major security events both domestically and abroad.