Location
The United States Coast Guard Training Center Cape May is located on the southernmost tip of New Jersey, approximately 45 minutes from Atlantic City and is the Nation’s only Coast Guard Recruit Training Center.
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History
During the Revolutionary War and throughout the nineteenth century, Cape May sound was used as a harbor of refuge. In 1917, the Navy established a “section base” in Cape May, to provide training, vessel support and communication facilities for coastal defense. Initially, the Navy converted an abandoned amusement center, built along the oceanfront, for military use. The old skating rink became the mess hall and sleeping quarters, the stage was made into a galley, the “human roulette wheel” — a scrub table and the “barrel of fun” became a brig. When the old wooden structure burned down in 1918, the Navy built standard military facilities along the harbor front (some of these buildings still stand).
For over fifty years, Coast Guard Training Center Cape May has fulfilled its mission by building the enlisted corps. It provides seaman and fireman apprentices to the Coast Guard trained to be willing and ready to learn their profession.
Mission
Develop America’s Coast Guard Enlisted men and women in a manner that secures the trust and confidence of our Service and the families who entrust us with the care of their loved ones. To provide the highest level of support to TRACEN Cape May and our tenant commands to ensure they have the proper environment to successfully execute their mission.To honor our profession as Coast Guard members through ensuring our crew is developed both professionally and personally to assume all duties and responsibilities. To respect our Shipmates by providing the best possible place to live, work, and visit in the United States Coast Guard.
Population
Over 350 military and civilian personnel are attached to Training Center Cape May with more than 4,000 of America’s finest young men and women arriving for the first chapter of their Coast Guard career – boot camp.
Transportation
Incoming
We will assist you in contacting Ft. Dix, the destination in-bound office. Ensure you have a copy of your DD1299, application for shipment and/or storage of Personal Property, available along with a complete delivery address and contact telephone number.
Outgoing
Once you receive a copy of your PCS orders you can contact us to set up an appointment for counseling. You can pick up a copy of “Tips for HHG Moves” from the Transportation Office at any time. Counseling is done on an appointment basis. Please ensure you have the following available at the time of the appointment.
Additional Resources
Move.mil is an informative site that will help you with your PCS move. Please ensure you contact the transportation office, 609.898.6931, before enrolling into program.
Contact Information
The Training Center is open to the Family Members of the Graduating Class free of charge, every Friday from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM. All other GROUP TOURS must be pre-arranged through the Public Affairs Officer at 609 898-6969