Transportation & Household Goods

337-491-7845
337-491-7846

Congratulations on your orders to Marine Safety Unit Lake Charles!

ABOUT THE SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA COMMUNITY

Lake Charles is the fifth largest incorporated city in the state of Louisiana . It is the major cultural and educational center in the southwest region of the state and one of the most important in Acadiana. The city serves as the seat of Calcasieu Parish and is the principal city of the Lake Charles Metropolitan Area, which includes the parishes of Calcasieu and Cameron. The city is considered a major petrochemical refining center, gaming center, and home to several schools and universities. With over 75 festivals held annually, Lake Charles is referred to as the Festival Capital of Louisiana. Located approximately three hours from the metropolises of New Orleans, LA and Houston, TX and approximately one hour from Beaumont, TX, residents of Lake Charles are sure to find their niche either within Lake Charles or within a reasonable drive. Affordable housing is available for purchase or rent within a reasonable commute from Marine Safety Unit Lake Charles. Information about the soutwest Lousiana utility providers, employment opportunities, cost of living, as well as local businesses can be found at internet webpages such as the Southwest Louisiana Chamber of Commerce website and the Lake Charles telephone directory among others.

The city is located on the banks of the Calcasieu River in southwestern Louisiana , and borders both Lake Charles and Prien Lake. It is a port on a deep-water channel to the Gulf of Mexico, Many area residents are employed by the petro-chemical refineries in nearby Westlake ; some of the corporations with facilities in or around the city include PPG Industries, ConocoPhillips, and Citgo Petroleum Corporation. The Trunkline LNG terminal, immediately southwest of Lake Charles, is one of the United States ' few LNG terminals. It has facilities for LNG receipt, storage and regassification.

IN COMING

The administrative office at MSU Lake Charles is ready to assist you with your administrative needs while assigned here. If we can be of any assistance to please don't hesitate to contact our staff.

We will assist you in contacting Fort Polk, 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.

Basic Allowance for housing (BAH) for Lake Charles is based on the 70605 zip code
Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) is not authorized for Lake Charles.
Lake Charles is a Critical Housing Area
FINCEN's webpage is an excellent source for HHG Claim information
MSU Lake Charles is not a unit with mandatory assignment to housing and all members are directed to find housing on the economy.
Fort Polk can be reached (337) 531-2277, 1216, 1226

OUT GOING

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:

Copy of original PCS orders
Completed HHG information worksheet
Completed domestic insurance election if transferring inconus
A power-of-attorney is required when the spouse of an active duty member is scheduling/signing documentation for a move.

ID CARD PROCESS

ID cards are issued on an appointment basis by calling Fort Polk at 337-531-1430. Please be ready to provide, as applicable:

DD 214
Marriage License
Birth Certificate
Other Pertinent Documentation

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Last Modified 1/26/2012