Attu Community Page

Location This Coast Guard station is located on the northeast coast of Attu Island, in the Near Islands group, on the far western end of the Aleutian Chain. It lies at approximately 52d 56m 25s N Latitude, 173d 15m 00s E Longitude. Attu Station is located in the Aleutian Islands Recording District. The area encompasses 142.6 sq. miles of land and 1.1 sq. miles of water.

History: The Aleutian Islands were historically occupied by the Unangas. Attu was called "Saint Theodore" by Capt. A.I. Chirikov in 1742. The first landing on the island appears to have been in 1745. The Aleut name was early transcribed by the Russians as "Ostrov Attu," spelled "Atakou" by Capt. Cook in 1785. Attu was listed in the 1880 Census with 107 people; 101 in 1890; 29 in 1930; and 44 in 1940. Attu and Kiska Islands were occupied by Japanese forces during World War II. Attu was virtually destroyed in 1943 when the U.S. Army mounted a successful offensive from Adak against the Island. It was known as "Chichagof" by the armed forces.

Culture: There are no families stationed at Attu. All of the Coast Guard live in a group quarters facility.

Economy: Attu is a U.S. Coast Guard Station.

Facilities: Information on the amenities in the group quarters facility is not available.

Transportation: The Casco Cove Airport is a 5,800 foot paved runway, maintained by the Coast Guard. The airstrip is authorized for public use only in an emergency; all others must obtain permission from the U.S. Coast Guard 17th District, located in Juneau at (907) 392-3315.

Climate: Attu lies in the maritime climate zone, characterized by persistently overcast skies, high winds, and frequent cyclonic storms. Winter squalls produce wind gusts in excess of 100 knots. During the summer, extensive fog forms over the Bering Sea and North Pacific. Average temperatures range from 20 to 60, but wind chill factors can be severe. Total precipitation is 64 inches annually, with an average accumulated snowfall of 100 inches, primarily in the mountains.