Ohio Governor Mike DeWine is advocating for the former Urbana University campus to become the next training site for the United States Coast Guard.
In a letter to the Department of Homeland Security, DeWine pointed to Ohio’s deep military ties, robust infrastructure, and statewide support for service members and their families as reasons the state is an ideal candidate.
The Urbana campus, which closed in 2020, already has dormitories, a cafeteria, an indoor swimming pool, and other facilities that could support Coast Guard training operations. DeWine also noted the campus is just 30 miles from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the 88th Air Base Wing Medical Center, which could provide medical and logistical support for trainees.
The state’s private economic development arm, JobsOhio, has pledged grants, incentives, and other assistance to help attract the Coast Guard. DeWine emphasized Ohio’s goal of becoming the “most military-friendly state in the nation,” citing programs for military families, Purple Star schools, and occupational license reciprocity for military spouses to ease relocations.
Ohio is home to 39,000 personnel at Wright-Patterson, 16,000 members of the Ohio National Guard, and more than 700,000 veterans. DeWine argues that these resources position the state to help prepare the next generation of Coast Guard members for service, ensuring they are ready to uphold maritime law enforcement and national security missions.
If approved, the Urbana site would bring federal investment and hundreds of trainees to the region, revitalizing the shuttered campus and creating opportunities for local businesses.
