Overview
- DHS and the Coast Guard confirmed the Birmingham-Southern College site as the service’s next training center, with training missions expected to start later in 2026.
- Officials said the campus met RFI criteria with turnkey facilities, enabling quicker startup at nominal cost compared with new construction under the Force Design 2028 plan.
- Leaders including President Trump, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, Sens. Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville, and Rep. Terri Sewell praised the selection, citing taxpayer savings and service growth.
- City leaders anticipate hundreds of jobs and on-campus housing for about 1,200 trainees, with the sale price undisclosed and local officials saying the deal could close within one to two months.
- Rep. Vicente Gonzalez requested details on the selection process, alleging the Coast Guard may have bypassed a full competitive bidding process.