COLUMBUS, Ohio — Could Ohio become a Coast Guard training site? Gov. Mike DeWine thinks so and sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Jan. 12 to make the case for federal officials to select the Buckeye State as the next training location for the United States Coast Guard.
DeWine cited Ohio’s extensive military infrastructure, established Coast Guard presence, and strong support systems for service members and their families.
DeWine said he is offering his “strongest support for Ohio as home to the next training location for the United States Coast Guard.”
“Ohio is the birthplace of aviation, the heart of America’s defense industry, and a critical hub of our national security infrastructure,” DeWine wrote. “We would be extremely proud to be your host state!”
DeWine cited assets the state already has that could be used for a new Coast Guard training location. Cleveland is home to the Coast Guard’s Great Lakes headquarters, which supports approximately 6,000 active-duty, reserve, civilian and auxiliary members. The governor touted the former Urbana University campus in Champaign County as a potential training site. The university closed in 2020 due to pandemic-related issues, and DeWine said the campus already has much of the infrastructure needed for a training facility, including dormitories, a cafeteria and an indoor swimming pool.
The governor also mentioned Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton and the availability of state incentives through JobsOhio.
DeWine framed the proposal as part of a broader effort to make Ohio the most military-friendly state in the nation, citing initiatives such as Purple Star schools for military families and occupational license reciprocity for military spouses.
