Elizabeth City, NC, Named a Great American Defense Community 

Petty Officer 2nd Class Ryan Noel

Whether a big city or small town, a military community offers a comfortable place for service members and their families to build an enjoyable life. However, only a select few have earned the distinction of being called a Great American Defense Community. 

Elizabeth City received this prestigious title from the Association of Defense Communities (ADC) in 2024. Home to U.S. Coast Guard Base Elizabeth City, this metropolitan area of approximately 19,000 in the state’s northeast corner earned the honor through its close partnership with the Coast Guard. 

Mayor E. Kirk Rivers described this symbiotic relationship between the base and the city during a ceremony held in 2024 at Mariners’ Wharf Park to commemorate the award. 

“We are excited to have the United States Coast Guard right here in our great city,” Rivers said that day, according to The Daily Advance. “When they arrive here, they interact within our community. They’re business owners. They retire in our community. They buy houses in our community. … That’s what this award is all about, showing how we will continue to work together.” 

Michael Moberley

Fostering a Strong Relationship

Established in 1940, Coast Guard Base Elizabeth City encompasses more than 880 acres, including runways, roadways and more than 100 buildings. Today, more than 2,000 personnel work on the base, with another 500 dependents and 700 veterans who live in the area. 

According to the Coast Guard’s website, the base in Elizabeth City provides logistics, engineering, administrative, financial, purchasing and health care services to Coast Guard units throughout North Carolina. As such, the base is home to the Aviation Logistics Center, Aviation Technical Training Center, Air Station Elizabeth City, Small Boat Station Elizabeth City, Aviation Projects Acquisition Center and National Strike Force Coordination Center. 

In 2015, nearly a decade before receiving the honor from the ADC, Elizabeth City earned the title of a Coast Guard City. Both awards consider more than the sheer size of the military presence in the area; they also look at the strength of the relationship between the military and civilian communities. And over the years, the city and U.S. Coast Guard Air Base Elizabeth City have created a strong bond. 

“Elizabeth City has a long-standing tradition of unwavering support for Coast Guard personnel and their families,” says Cmdr. Heidi Koski, commanding officer of U.S. Coast Guard Base Elizabeth City. “The community as a whole – ranging from civic leaders and businesses to local residents – fosters a deeply rooted military-friendly culture. This is reflected in everyday gestures, such as offering discounts and tailored services, as well as in more structured efforts, like hosting appreciation events and partnering with local school systems.” 

Petty Officer 2nd Class Ryan Noel

Celebrating Support

The Great American Defense Community program launched in 2016 to improve the lives of service members, veterans and their families. As part of a partnership with USAA, this initiative recognizes and celebrates communities and regions that support military installations for their commitment to improving quality of life. 

“Elizabeth City’s selection as a Great American Defense Community reflects the powerful relationship between the Coast Guard and the people we serve alongside. It’s a partnership built on mutual respect, shared responsibility and an unwavering commitment to service,” Koski says. “This recognition belongs to everyone – those in uniform, their families, our veterans and the community members who make mission success possible every single day.” 

Petty Officer 2nd Class Corinne

When moving to a new place, military families face unique challenges associated with feeling at home and valued. However, in Elizabeth City, they are met with a supportive community and everything necessary to thrive. That’s why so many service members put down roots in the community after leaving the service. 

“Elizabeth City is recognized for its safe neighborhoods, affordable cost of living and vibrant waterfront lifestyle – all of which appeal to both active-duty service members and veterans,” Koski says. “The city also takes a proactive stance on broader military support through its advocacy at the state and national levels, with a strong focus on economic development, spouse employment, veteran services, mental health access and housing affordability.”