Congressman Aderholt Attends Inauguration of Birmingham-Southern U.S. Coast Guard Training Center

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Robert Aderholt attended the U.S. Coast Guard ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open Training Center (TRACEN) Birmingham-Southern. Congressman Robert Aderholt attended alongside Secretary of Homeland Security, Markwayne Mullin, U.S. Coast Guard officials, and Alabama leaders.

The Coast Guard Birmingham-Southern facility occupies the 192-acre campus the service acquired earlier this year after the college closed in May 2024 after 168 years of operation. This new opportunity will ensure the historic campus will continue to serve those pursuing education, training, and service to the nation.

The center is expected to bring around 1,000 jobs to Birmingham and will be the home to 300 Coast Guard staff and 100 civilian contractors.

The Coast Guard is expanding its training capacity as it grows its workforce and modernizes its force structure to meet evolving maritime security missions. The Birmingham-Southern campus will help support that effort by providing facilities capable of hosting recruits and training personnel preparing for service in the Coast Guard.

"With Birmingham-Southern being my alma mater, it was important to me to ensure this campus could continue to serve those seeking to learn and improve their lives," said Congressman Robert Aderholt. "I'm confident the United States Coast Guard will do just that. I want to thank Senator Britt and Senator Tuberville for their partnership as we worked together to encourage the Coast Guard and the White House to ensure this campus remains an important footprint in Alabama."

The Coast Guard's presence will allow the Birmingham-Southern campus to continue its longstanding legacy of education and service while bringing new opportunities and federal investment to the Birmingham area. Alabama has a strong tradition of supporting those who serve, and the new training center will help prepare the next generation of Coast Guard servicemembers.