WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator Ashley Moody is fighting to bring a new U.S. Coast Guard training facility to the Sunshine State, adding to Florida’s military presence, and strengthening the nation’s security. In a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Senator Moody outlines the many benefits to locating the facility in Florida.
Senator Ashley Moody said, “Florida already plays a substantial role in securing our country—we’re the proud home of 21 military installations and three combatant commands. It just makes sense that our nation’s next U.S. Coast Guard training facility join these bases here in the Sunshine State, where we have a proven military infrastructure, available capacity, and strong interagency partnerships.”
Click HERE to read the full letter or see below:
Dear Secretary Noem,
I write today to express why I believe Florida locations should be strongly considered in the United States Coast Guard’s efforts to identify a new training facility pursuant to its “Request for Information (RFI)/Market Research to Acquire A Training Facility”[1]
Florida is home to a massive military presence that plays a critical role in strengthening our nation’s security with 21 military bases and three combatant commands. The Sunshine State has a proven military infrastructure, available capacity, and strong interagency partnerships, and I am committed to ensuring that it remains at the forefront of military readiness.
At a time when the Coast Guard is attempting to meet increasing military demands, Florida is proud to offer not only land and infrastructure, but communities that deeply value the Coast Guard’s mission. The Sunshine State offers Coasties and their families the best chance for a boost in morale in their personal lives given our lack of state income tax, military pension exemptions, numerous VA facilities, and a high appreciation rate in home values and affordability. Our people, military installations, and state leadership all stand united behind the goal of strengthening America’s readiness and ensuring that the next generation of Coast Guard recruits receives the world-class training they deserve.
As you consider proposals under the RFI, we welcome you to visit the great State of Florida to see first-hand all that it has to offer. Thank you for your steadfast commitment to protecting the homeland and strengthening the Service at this critical time. I look forward to working with you as the Coast Guard advances its mission – and I am confident that Florida offers the best possible home for this new training facility.
