BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The U.S. Coast Guard today commemorated the inaugural graduating class at Training Center (TRACEN) Birmingham-Southern. A ceremony was held for 29 students of the Leadership and Management School, presided over by Rear. Adm. Matthew Brown, commander, Coast Guard Force Readiness Command. 

The Leadership and Management School (LAMS) is a foundational pilar in a servicemember’s career. It is designed to prepare the Coast Guard’s enlisted workforce for roles of greater responsibility and accountability. Throughout this week, these graduates refined their leadership philosophies, practiced critical decision-making, and prepared to take on the mantle of senior enlisted leadership. They are the future leaders of the Coast Guard, and they are the first to claim Birmingham-Southern as their training ground. 

This graduation marked a significant milestone for TRACEN Birmingham-Southern, the former Birmingham-Southern College, which transitioned to a Coast Guard training center on June 5, 2026. The TRACEN will be the new home for the Coast Guard Force Readiness Command (FORCECOM), moving from Norfolk, Virginia, and the Leadership Development Center, relocating from New London, Connecticut.  

More than 30 permanent personnel have transitioned to Birmingham, including the FORCECOM commander, Rear Adm. M. T. Brown. 

“Today’s graduation is just the beginning for TRACEN Birmingham-Southern and the Coast Guard,” said Brown. “TRACEN Birmingham-Southern offers a larger home base for FORCECOM, and as the Enlisted Leadership Center of Excellence, offers additional capacity to develop the leaders our servicemembers need, and the American people demand, from their Coast Guard.” 

The move to Birmingham coincides with growth in the Coast Guard’s force and subsequent demand for more training space and infrastructure. With ample classroom and fitness space, TRACEN Birmingham-Southern is an ideal venue for technology learning, leadership courses, and physical training. It is planned to be designated as an Enlisted Leadership Center of Excellence. 

From U.S. Coast Guard Headqarters, Sept. 4, 2026