WTAS: Senator Britt Plays Leading Role in U.S. Coast Guard Selection of Birmingham-Southern College for New Training Center

WASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) joined the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), and her fellow Alabama delegation members Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) and Representative Robert Aderholt (R-Ala.) in announcing the selection of the former Birmingham-Southern College (BSC) campus to serve as the new USCG training center.
In the announcement, Senator Britt said in part,“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 21stcentury threats … 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.”
In addition to her leadership in USCG’s decision to establish its new training center in Birmingham, Senator Britt has worked tirelessly to strengthen Alabama’s leadership in military excellence, by advocating directly to President Trumpto permanently base Space Command headquartersat its rightful home in Huntsville,supporting a 3.8 percent pay raise for servicemembers, or working to secure over $169.4 million for military construction at Alabama Bases alone in theFY26Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilCon-VA) Appropriations Act.
Here is what they are saying about Senator Britt’s efforts to locate a new USCG training center in Birmingham:
Danile B. Coleman, BSC’s 16thand final president:“U.S. Sen. Katie Boyd Britt, who chairs the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, was instrumental in securing top-level approval of the project. We are deeply grateful to Sen. Britt for her leadership and her tireless efforts – along with U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville and U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt, who is a graduate of the College – to ensure that this project remained a top priority in Washington.”
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin:“We’re very excited to announce that 1,000 jobs are on their way Birmingham. The U.S. Coast Guard has agreed to purchase the Birmingham-Southern College campus for use as a training facility, bringing long-term economic growth to our city. Major thanks go out to BSC President Daniel Coleman for working to keep the campus viable and attractive for this next phase of use, as well as Senator Katie Britt. And a big shout out to the residents of Bush Hills and the western corridor of Birmingham. This is your victory as well. This investment delivers real, lasting economic impact to our city and ensures future growth.”
Representative Aderholt:“As a proud alumnus of Birmingham-Southern, it is important to me that this campus continues to serve those seeking to learn and improve their lives. I’m confident the United States Coast Guard will do exactly that. I want to thank Senator Britt for her partnership as we worked together to encourage the Coast Guard and the White House to ensure this campus remains an important footprint in Alabama.”
Yellowhammer News:Katie Britt announces U.S. Coast Guard purchase of former Birmingham-Southern campus for new national training hub: ‘Huge day for Birmingham’
“As chair of the Senate Appropriations subcommittee that funds Homeland Security, Britt drove the effort.
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“The project has been in motion for months as the Coast Guard, under its Force Design 2028 blueprint, has pursued a major expansion of training capacity due to record-breaking recruiting numbers.
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“Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem billed today’s Birmingham announcement as proof that ‘this is the most exciting time to join the Coast Guard in 235 years.’
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“USCG and DHS selected the BSC campus for the new facility, saying it far exceeded the necessary criteria.”
Alabama Daily News:Coast Guard to buy Birmingham-Southern for new training center
“U.S. Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., said she advocated directly to Noem for the Birmingham site to be chosen for the new hub.
“‘It was actually an idea that I came up with alongside my team, knowing as the subcommittee chair for Homeland Security Appropriations, knowing the needs of the Coast Guard, and then uniquely being situated to know the assets and opportunities that we have in the state of Alabama,’ Britt told Alabama Daily News. “We thought… this may be a great match.’”
1819 News:Birmingham-Southern College campus to become U.S. Coast Guard training facility
“In celebrating the decision, nearly everyone acknowledged that Britt spearheaded the effort through her role as chair of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, which funds DHS and USCG.
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“Britt also celebrated the decision while reiterating her support for the U.S. Armed Forces.
“‘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,’ Britt exclaimed.”
AlaDefense:The U.S. Coast Guard will use former Birmingham-Southern campus for its newest training center, as Alabama scores another big win
“U.S. Sen. Katie Britt led the parade of public officials in making the announcement today, joined by Sen. Tommy Tuberville, Rep. Robert Aderholt, Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Kevin Lunday and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
“Homeland Security, and not the War Department, oversees the Coast Guard, although there are many aspects the two departments share, such as protecting the American mainland and U.S. interests at sea.
“Britt is chair of the Senate’s Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, which funds DHS and the Coast Guard.
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“Britt was quick to highlight Alabama’s critical role in serving the War Department and Homeland Security in providing the nation with service.”
WBRC:Sen. Britt says Coast Guard training center at former Brimingham-Southern campus will be ‘special partnership’
“U.S. Sen. Katie Britt, who serves as subcommittee chair for the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations, said she encouraged Birmingham-Southern to enter the open bidding process when the Coast Guard began searching for a new facility.
“‘They had outgrown their facility there in New Jersey, which they will maintain, but they needed places to put new cadets and new people to drill down and get the training they need to protect our nation,’ Sen. Britt said.
“Sen. Britt said national defense and security are priorities for Alabamians and called the partnership between Birmingham and the Coast Guard significant.
“‘To have one of these branches here, particularly the Coast Guard, which is often overlooked, and they play such a critical role in making sure our homeland is safe and that Americans have an opportunity to live the American dream,’ Sen. Britt said. ‘So for Birmingham to get to own this and for Birmingham to get to embrace this branch, I think, is going to be a very special partnership.’
“Sen. Britt anticipates the training center will house 1,200 recruits. The Department of Homeland Security expects training missions to begin on campus later this year.
“‘We’re doing everything we can to make sure this facility is ready to go and that we’re training the men and women of the Coast Guard in a way to continue to keep our nation safe,’ Britt said.”
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