[1] The bay is surrounded by the municipalities of Uruma, Kitanakagusuku, Nakagusuku, Nishihara, Yonabaru, Nanjō, all in Okinawa Prefecture.

It consisted of the anchorage, repair and depot ships, plus onshore support facilities for the US fleet operating off Japan.

In October 1945, Typhoon Louise struck Buckner Bay, inflicting heavy damage.

Eighty percent of the buildings in the bay were completely wiped out, while over 60 aircraft then present at local airstrips were damaged.

In the present day, the Buckner Bay – White Beach Naval Port Facility is located on the southernmost tip of the Katsuren Peninsula.

Tatsu Kuchi, the main entrance into the bay, is located 18 nmi north-northeast of the southernmost tip of Okinawa.

Numerous large and small islands, reefs, and shoal waters bracket the entrance.

The coordinating authority for U. S. Navy vessels for both piers is Buckner Port Control, White Beach.

A pilot is mandatory for U.S. Navy vessels berthing at the White Beach piers but is not required when anchoring.

All pilots possess adequate English language ability to convey helm and engine orders.

Additionally, a qualified Japanese speaking dockmaster will be stationed pierside to assist in docking evolutions.

Anchorage berths can be coordinated through the ship's agent or the local Military Sealift Command Office.

Approximately 95% of the MSC ships go to White Beach and Tengan Pier because of depth restrictions at the Port of Naha.