USCG TRAINING CENTER CAPE MAY: IN-DEPTH WELCOME CENTER

Welcome to USCG Training Center Cape May, the U.S.’s only Coast Guard Recruit Training Center. This center helps prepare recruits of the U.S. Coast Guard to carry out their role serving in the U.S. military. Training Center Cape May is where recruits go through 8 weeks of intense training to learn the values of the Coast Guard: Respect, Honor, and Devotion to Duty. During these weeks, recruits will be pushed to their limit both physically and mentally. However, after successful completion, recruits leave the training center as members of the U.S. Coast Guard.

Today, USCG Training Center Cape May sits on 350 acres and has 86 buildings, 91 barracks rooms, and 174 housing units. The base is home to over 1,160 active duty military, reserve, civilians, contractors, and recruits.

Stationed at USCG Training Center Cape May for basic training? Here’s everything you need to know about living on base in Cape May.

Suggested read: 10 Cape May Hotels Perfect For The Military Community

Where Is USCG Training Center Cape May?

1 Munro Ave, Cape May, NJ 08204

Phone

(609) 898-6900

Directions to USCG Training Center Cape May

Training Center Cape May is located in Cape May, NJ. It is the 5th largest base in the Coast Guard and is considered to be the Coast Guard’s hometown.

Driving Directions to Training Center Cape May

• Enter Cape May on Route 109 South.
• Cross two bridges to Lafayette Street.
• Turn left one block after crossing the second bridge.
• Take another left onto Washington Street, then an immediate right at C-View Inn.
• Take this road for one half mile, and then turn left onto Pennsylvania Avenue.
• Take Pennsylvania Avenue until you enter Training Center Cape May's main gate.

Taking a Ferry to Cape May

• Take Route 50 East to Annapolis Bay Bridge.
• Take 50 E until you reach Route 404.
• Take the 404 to Route 9. This will take you to Lewes, DE where the ferry is.
• The ferry to Cape May is about 70 minutes.
• After exiting the Cape May ferry you will be on Route 9. Take Route 9 to 109 South until you reach the end of Garden State Parkway.
• Stay on Route 109 South and cross the bridges to enter Cape May.

USCG Training Center Cape May Weather

The summers in Cape May are warm and humid, with the winters being very cold, windy, and wet. Cape May is the warmest from June 4th to September 16th, when the average temperature is 76°F. The hottest month of the year in Cape May is July, where the average high is 83°F.

NJ Cape May weather is cold during the winter, December through March. The average daily high during these months is often below 50°F. The best time to visit Cape May is early June to late September, as these are the best months to enjoy outside activities.

Entering USCG Training Center Cape May and Base Amenities

Below is the check-in procedure and the required documents needed to gain access to the base.

Check-in Procedures for Incoming Personnel

Those 18 years or older who are coming onto base must have a valid photo ID from a state or federal agency. Those who gain access to the base will be classified as either escorted or unescorted. Visitors who are driving must present: a valid driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance.

Please be aware that speed limits on base are strictly enforced. The on-base speed limit is 20 mph, and the housing speed limit is 25 mph.

Cape May Legal Office:

Phone: (609) 898-6902

Main deck of the Mission Support Building

Monday-Friday: 7:30am-4:00pm

Harborview Dining Facility:

Phone: (609) 898-6320

Monday-Tuesday: Closed

Wednesday: 11:00am-1:00pm and 5:00pm-9:00pm

Thursday: Closed

Friday: 5:00pm-9:00pm

Etheridge Hall Dining Facility:

Monday-Saturday: 6:30am- 5:30pm

Sunday: 6:30am- 5:30pm

Coast Guard Exchange:

Phone: (609) 898-6346

Monday-Friday: 9:00am-6:00pm

Saturday: 9:00am-4:00pm

Sunday: 10:00am -5:00pm

Post Office (located at CGX entrance):

Phone: (609) 898-6573

Monday-Friday: 11:00am-1:30pm

Where Should I Live Near USCG Training Center Cape May?

Many military members choose to reside on-base. However, the town of Cape May, New Jersey is quaint, and the perfect place for military members to reside. In fact, it is recognized as the “Nation's Oldest Seashore Resort,” and is a National Historic Landmark City.

Real estate in Cape May features beautiful Victorian architecture that can be found in the downtown area. Furthermore, Cape May is home to many quiet, small neighborhoods that are perfect for families, or those looking to get away.

USCG Training Center Cape May Schools

Cape May, NJ is home to several school districts for elementary, middle school, and high school-aged children. Below are several school district options for those stationed at USCG Training Center Cape May.

• Cape May City Elementary School
• Lower Cape May Regional School District
• Lower Township Elementary School District
• Middle Township Public Schools
• Open Ocean City School District
• Upper Township School District
• West Cape May School District
• Wildwood Crest School District
• Woodbine School District

Wrap-Up

Whether you are moving to a new home, a new base, or a new state, we know that you are bound to face unique challenges. However, Cape May is a picturesque place to call home.

While stationed at USCG Training Center Cape May, be sure to check out the local Cape May wineries and the famous Cape May brewery. Looking for more fun things to do in Cape May, NJ? Be sure to hit up Cape May beach, and check out our list of things to do while stationed at USCG Training Center Cape May for more fun adventure ideas!

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