Thomas G. Allan Jr, Vice Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard | Official Website
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the United States Coast Guard have announced that Birmingham-Southern College in Birmingham, Alabama, will serve as the site for the Coast Guard’s newest training center.
According to Secretary Kristi Noem, "Today's announcement is further proof that this is the most exciting time to join the Coast Guard in 235 years. 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."
Admiral Kevin E. Lunday, Commandant of the Coast Guard, stated, "We must invest in our most valuable treasure—our people—to meet the increasingly complex maritime security challenges facing the Nation. 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, a Request for Information was issued by the Coast Guard to identify potential locations for a new training facility. Requirements included accommodations for 1,200 recruits, medical services for up to 1,000 personnel, a land area between 150-250 acres, and multiple classrooms with capacity for 30-60 students each. Birmingham-Southern College was chosen because it met all these criteria and provided ready-to-use facilities that allow training operations to begin quickly without significant additional investment.
Senator Tommy Tuberville commented on cost savings: "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. 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."
Senator Katie Britt added her support: "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. 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 activities at Birmingham-Southern are scheduled to start later in 2026.
The establishment of this facility aligns with Force Design 2028—a strategic plan aimed at making improvements across recruitment efforts and operational efficiency within the U.S. Coast Guard. The initiative has resulted in notable achievements such as increased recruitment numbers and financial returns on investments.
