Coast Guard Picks Birmingham-Southern for Training Hub
The U.S. Coast Guard will turn the former Birmingham-Southern College campus into a major training center
Federal and State leaders on Wednesday announced a major new use for the former Birmingham-Southern College campus: a national training center for the United States Coast Guard.
Senators Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville joined Representative Robert Aderholt (R-AL-04), Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Kevin Lunday to unveil the selection.
The Coast Guard began a nationwide search last fall after record recruitment numbers. Officials said they issued a Request for Information and reviewed several sites that could handle expanded recruit training and education functions.
The 192-acre property, which closed as a college in May 2024, met and exceeded all criteria laid out by the Coast Guard and DHS.
“Today’s announcement is further proof that this is the most exciting time to join the Coast Guard in 235 years,” Secretary Noem said. “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.”
Sen. Britt, Chair of the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, highlighted her efforts to bring the center to Birmingham. “This is a huge day for Birmingham, our great state, and the U.S. Coast Guard,” she said. “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.”
Senator Tuberville noted the financial benefits of the decision. “I’m thrilled … This move will save the American taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars,” he said. “Alabama and the Coast Guard are a natural partnership.”
Rep. Aderholt, an alumnus of the former college, said the new purpose for the campus honors its legacy. “As a proud alumnus … I’m confident the United States Coast Guard will do exactly that,” he said.
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin praised the move on social media, saying, “We’re very excited to announce that 1,000 jobs are on their way Birmingham. This investment delivers real, lasting economic impact to our city and ensures future growth.”
Adm. Lunday added that the acquisition aligns with the Coast Guard’s long-term growth strategy. “We must invest in our most valuable treasure — our people … The acquisition of the historic Birmingham-Southern College as our new training center is a critical step in our Force Design 2028 strategy,” he said.
The Coast Guard already maintains a presence in Alabama with Sector Mobile and the Aviation Training Center in Mobile.
Officials said preparations and renovations will begin after the sale is finalized.
