U.S. Senator Katie Britt Delivers Speech at U.S. Coast Guard’s Enlisted Training Center of Excellence Ribbon Cutting at Birmingham-Southern College

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) today attended and delivered remarks at the United States Coast Guard's (USCG) Enlisted Training Center of Excellence ribbon cutting at Birmingham-Southern College (BSC). Other attendees included Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin, USCG Commandant Admiral Kevin Lunday, Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Deputy MCPOCG Master Chief Matthew D. Buckman, and former BSC President Daniel Coleman. Thanks to President Donald Trump and DHS Secretary Mullin's historic investment and leadership, the USCG is going through a generational transformation which will ensure the USCG always stands ready to respond to the complex challenges of the future.

Senator Britt delivers remarks ahead of the ribbon cutting

In her remarks, Senator Britt stated in part, "This is an incredible day, and it's an honor to join you here on the Hilltop to celebrate this historic day for Birmingham-Southern and for our community. Everyone here knows how critical Alabama is to our national defense, our military capabilities, and our national security.

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"The Coast Guard's acquisition of BSC is a continuation of its historic legacy. While the school we know today, opened its doors in 1918 and its predecessor, Southern University, began educating students 170 years before that, in 1856, it has always dedicated itself to academic rigor, to training and, above all, service. This campus is special. Just ask the people who went here … [W]e know that it helped teach, build, heal, minister and put people out into the world that wanted to protect. Whether it's notable alumni like my dear friend, Congressman Aderholt … this place expanded the orbit of people who wanted to give back. And that's why it's been so special. You've seen students who came through here wanting to go into underserved communities. … To ensure that this incredible legacy is going to continue for our most courageous Americans, we are going to make sure that Birmingham-Southern logo continues to be branded and preserved around campus.

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"As Chair of the Subcommittee for Homeland Security Appropriations, I'm proud to have helped play a role in this, and I am proud to have helped connect the dots and work alongside local, state and federal leaders to make this a reality.

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"I want to give a special thanks to Secretary Mullin. This is a neat day for me, to be able to call you Secretary Mullin, to be able to watch your leadership, and to watch you transform the Department of Homeland Security into an even bigger and better product that keeps Americans safe and secure. Your heart and service is just unparalleled. And it is a real honor to have you here as we dedicate this today.

"We're going to continue to work diligently to secure investments like this. It's an honor for a lifetime to represent our great state. I'll continue to fight for our values, fight for our people and deliver results. So, thank you once again for giving the hilltop the opportunity to continue to produce phenomenal and dedicated graduates seeking to preserve and achieve a greater goal. Forward Ever, and God Bless."

Representative Robert Aderholt (R-Ala.), Admiral Lunday, Secretary Mullin, Senator Tuberville, Senator Britt, and Master Chief Buckman cut the ribbon for the USCG's new Enlisted Training Center of Excellence at BSC.

As Senator Britt noted in a recent op-ed, thousands of members of the Coast Guard will travel through Birmingham annually, as will friends and family members who will visit and celebrate graduations. This influx in students and visitors is expected to provide a boost to businesses both small and large, positively impacting Birmingham's economy. The move is also estimated to save millions of dollars for taxpayers by selecting an already-built training facility.

Senator Britt first announced the move in March of 2026, stating in part, "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 … 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. Thank you to President Trump … and Admiral Lunday for making a tremendous decision that will strengthen our homeland security long into the future."

Senator Britt has received widespread recognition for her role in this historic move and also discussed the moved with DHS Secretary Mullin in a Senate Appropriations hearing this week. Read more here and below:

• Britt champions progress on new Birmingham Coast Guard center during Senate hearing
• A shuttered Alabama college will soon transform into a military training center, Katie Britt says
• Katie Britt highlights major progress on Coast Guard training center at Birmingham-Southern during Senate hearing
• U.S. Coast Guard set to cut ribbon Friday on training center in Birmingham

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