Officially established in January 1946. Later converted into a Group command, providing support to five lighthouses, one station, two substations, and three patrol boats. The southern AOR is particularly treacherous due to the extremely rugged coastline and the absolute absence of moorings or shelter. Mariners transiting this area must be extremely proficient at navigation and heavy weather sailing, else they risk losing their vessels along the rocky shoreline of Big Sur. Recreational boaters in the AOR largely launch from Monterey, Moss Landing and Santa Cruz.
Many recreational boaters trailer their vessels in from the South Bay and inland valleys.
During the summer, weekly sailing regattas are held in Monterey and Santa Cruz. Kayaking is also very popular, particularly among tourists, with the highest concentration in Monterey. Monterey is a top domestic dive destination and sees a large number of divers with various skill levels year-round. All of the approximately 100 commercial fishing vessels homeported in the station AOR are found in Moss Landing, Monterey, or Santa Cruz. Commercial fishing activity has substantially declined in the past few decades due to depleted stocks in the area.