U.S. Coast Guard Announces New Training Center in Alabama

 News Release:

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Office of Public Affairs

U.S. Coast Guard Announces New Training Center in Alabama The next generation of Coast Guard heroes deserve training centers and support facilities worthy of their mission WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the United States Coast Guard announced that its newest training center that will be opening in the state of Alabama. The Coast Guard announced the selection of Birmingham-Southern College (BSC) in Birmingham, Alabama as the location of its newest training center. “Today's announcement is further proof that this is the most exciting time to join the Coast Guard in 235 years,” said Secretary Kristi Noem. “Thanks to President Trump's visionary leadership and historic investment in the Coast Guard, the Service is shattering records across the board—including in recruitment. Last year’s recruitment exceeded 110% of active-duty enlisted goals, and the Coast Guard is on track to add 15,000 new members by 2028. This next generation of heroes deserves training centers and support facilities worthy of their mission, and that is exactly what they are going to have in Alabama.” “We must invest in our most valuable treasure—our people—to meet the increasingly complex maritime security challenges facing the Nation,” said Admiral Kevin E. Lunday, Commandant of the Coast Guard. “The acquisition of the historic Birmingham-Southern College as our new training center is a critical step in our Force Design 2028 strategy, providing the right facilities necessary to grow our service and ensure the Coast Guard stands always ready.” In November, the Coast Guard issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking potential locations for the new center based on a list of requirements, including lodging for 1,200 recruits, a medical facility to support 1,000 personnel, a land area of 150-250 acres, and 14 classrooms sized to accommodate 30-60 students, among other criteria. Birmingham-Southern best satisfied Coast Guard training mission requirements, offering turn-key ready facilities critical to supporting immediate commencement of training missions, while meeting all the service’s eligibility criteria with nominal investment compared to new construction. “I'm thrilled that President Trump and Secretary Noem have selected Birmingham Southern as the new land-based training facility for the United States Coast Guard. This move will save the American taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars,” said Senator Tommy Tuberville. “Alabama and the Coast Guard are a natural partnership. Alabama is already home to every branch of the military and we have the infrastructure, resources, and personnel ready to make sure our United States Coast Guard continues to be elite.” “This is a huge day for Birmingham, our great state, and the U.S. Coast Guard. I have long been dedicated to strengthening Alabama’s military installations and the warfighters they serve,” said Senator Katie Britt. “This exciting announcement further positions Alabama as a national leader in supporting our incredible U.S. Armed Forces and law enforcement personnel. I am deeply proud to have advocated directly to Secretary Noem for a new training center in Birmingham to support our outstanding Coast Guard personnel, especially as the USCG continues to recruit servicemembers to combat 21st century threats. Alabama stands as a proud leader in military excellence, and we’re honored to host this new training center that will help mold the next generation of Coast Guard members. As chair of the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, I will continue fighting to give the Coast Guard the resources and tools needed to fulfill its critical mission and keep Americans safe. Thank you to President Trump, Secretary Noem, and Admiral Lunday for making a tremendous decision that will strengthen our homeland security long into the future.” Training missions at Birmingham-Southern are expected to begin later in 2026. This new training center is part of the broader blueprint that is Force Design 2028, which will transform the Coast Guard into a more agile, capable, and responsive fighting force. Force Design 2028 has already been a tremendous success, from record-setting recruitment to a historic 6-to-1 return on investment.

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