Enter Search Term
Search Current Unit

• Training Center Petaluma Home
• Command Staff
• Unit Information
• A & C Schools
• Base Services
• Reporting
• Training Support
• CPO Academy
• Reserve Resource Guide
• Contact TRACEN Petaluma

Welcome Information

Welcome to SK "A" School!

This welcome information explains the purpose and scope of the SK "A" School, what you'll need to bring with you, and what to expect when you arrive. A checklist is enclosed to assist in your preparation. We are eager to join you for the start of a challenging "A" school program. We intend to make your experience memorable and rewarding.

Arrival

Because the "A" School curriculum begins at 0650, Monday morning, we strongly recommend you arrive early enough on Sunday so that you have an adequate night's rest and time to get your uniform "inspection" ready. There is also some brief information you have review before class begins. You are not required to check-in wearing a uniform.

Training Center Petaluma, locally known as "Two Rock," is located approximately 50 miles north of San Francisco and 10 miles west of Petaluma, California in the coastal region of Sonoma County. Located among dairy farms in the rolling hills of the region, the Training Center covers 804 acres, offering a variety of walking and bicycling opportunities with spectacular vistas of the local countryside.

See TRACEN Petaluma's Reporting Information to learn about reporting to the TRACEN by air, bus or automobile, and about the barracks. If you are unable to connect to the website, contact the school staff for assistance. Please review those directions carefully in addition to these important details.

Check-in at the quarterdeck of Horsley Hall. You will be residing in either Horsley Hall or Steadman Hall. Obtain your room key, linens, a copy of your orders, and the SK "A" School's first day letter with questioner.
There are limited dining services for students arriving after the TRACEN galley closes. A convenience store offers basic grocery items and is open Monday - Friday from 0900 to 2100, Saturday and Sunday 1000 - 2100. Pizzas, sandwiches and finger foods are available at the Consolidated Club / Two Rock Pizza daily from 1700 to 2230 The Two Rock Coffee Co. located in the town center operates Monday - Thursday from 0600 - Midnight, Friday 0600 - 0100, Saturday 0800 - 0100 and Sunday 0800 - Midnight.  You'll need a copy of your orders to eat for free at the dining facility. Monday morning you will be issued a meal card. The Barbershop is open 6 days a week, Monday  -  Friday between 1000 - 1730 Saturday 0900  - 1100, haircuts are $9.00.

If you experience travel delays en-route and need to leave a message for the school staff, you can leave a message on the student answering machine at 707-765-7974, or contact SKCS Sidlo at 707-765-7147.  You can also leave a message with the Training Center's police department, 24 hours daily, at 707-765-7215.

The Sonoma County Visitor's Guide www.sonoma.com contains information on the local weather, geography, attractions, and current events. The Official Page for Visiting California's Sonoma Coast www.visitsonomacoast.com/

Week One

The following is a snapshot of week one SK "A" School: School begins at 0650 in Building 570 Room 208 on Monday, You will begin a week long course on Petty Officer Indoctrination.  You will attend this class with other students from other schools reporting for training.   Mondays curriculum covers Training Center rules and regulations, travel claims.  Tuesday the course will cover health and wellness and a group run and a tour of the fitness center.  Wednesday  you will start with leadership, progress to communication, mentoring and diversity.  Thursday topics include financial management sexual assault and harassment training and a team building exercise.  Friday morning Medical/Admin/EPME.  Friday afternoon will be devoted to IRC Brief   Saturday morning room and uniform inspection, followed by a fitness assessment.   Liberty will be granted upon completion of inspections and fitness assessments on Saturday Approx 1600.

Quarters

All rooms are triple occupancy. Storage space is limited (Sea Bag Lockers available at Horsley Hall): each occupant has a single bed, desk and locker. Each room is equipped with their own bathroom. Recommend you bring your personal iron (ironing board & linens provided), towels, alarm clock/radio.

Community freezer/refrigerator/microwave oven are located in the recreational deck area of both Halls. Each Hall has television rooms, study rooms, vending machines, recreation area, pay telephones, and a laundry room. Laundry machine are free.

Limited guest lodging are available for visitors. Contact Mrs. Avis Linnins, quarters manager, at 707-765-7248 for further information and availability of quest quarters.

Uniforms

Coast Guard Uniform Regulations, including grooming standards, are strictly enforced at Training Center Petaluma. Uniform of the Day for "A" School students: Operational Dress Uniform (ODU) with ball cap (no unit ball caps). For ceremonies, including the graduation, the USCG Service Dress Blue (B) may be worn. School Chief may require other uniforms for specific events.  There will be a full seabag inspection upon reporting to school (as per Chapter 3 of the Uniform Regulations Manual).

Local Command Windbreakers, Flight Jackets, Green Operational Foul Weather Gear, and Unit Ball Caps are not allowed to be worn on the Training Center.

The Tracen dry cleaners and tailor shop are open only on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday between 1130  - 1700. Uniforms turned in on Monday are returned on Thursday. If turned in on Tuesday or Thursday, uniforms are returned on Monday.

Communications

The school has mail delivery and pick-up, telephone, facsimile and email services available 24 hours daily.

Your mail should be addressed to:

Your Name
c/o SK "A" School Class xx-xx
USCG Training Center
599 Tomales Road
Petaluma, CA 94952-5025

Telephone messages may be left on the student answering machine at 707-765-7974 or with your class advisor.

Facsimiles (fax) may be sent to the school at (707) 765-7218.

Cellular phone coverage is limited at the Training Center and you may have poor reception. We recommend you contact your cellular phone provider for further information if you intend to rely upon cellular phone service.

The TRACEN Information Resource Center (IRC) has all the computer resources you'll need. You will receive authorization to use the Coast Guard Standard workstation, after security indoctrination during the first week.

What to Bring

Your Orders and Medical/Health record. Bring any E-PME quals you have completed. If you are taking medications, it is strongly recommended that your health clinic contact the Training Center's pharmacy at 707-765-7194 to verify that sufficient medication is available during your stay. The Training Center's recommendation is "All students on chronic medications should arrive here with sufficient medications to last the duration of school and any leave time until they return to their duty station.  Please note that the TRACEN is located in the country among farms and ranches and visitors report being susceptible to allergies.

Course eligibility requirements might include that you extended obligated service upon graduation and being in compliance with Coast Guard weight standards upon execution of your orders.
The Sea West Federal Credit Union on base cannot give cash advances on the U.S. Government MasterCard and doesn't cash personal checks unless you are a member. There is an ATM machine available at the Credit Union with a $10 minimum withdrawal.

SK "A" School has a Health Promotion Program. The program includes three elements, a personal wellness profile, organized and individual fitness activities. We recommend that students bring proper sports wear, including new or good condition athletic shoes; cross-training shoes are adequate for all your activities.

Other items that you may want to bring include a camera, personal linens, alarm clock or radio, padlock, sweater or jacket, rain jacket, personal athletic clothing/gear, a fanny pack or backpack, hiking boots, and shoes that can get muddy. The climate is moderate but mornings and evenings can be cool because of the Training Center's proximity to the Pacific Ocean.
School/Office supplies will be provided during the course. There is no need to purchase additional materials.

Preparation Checklist

Orders
Medical/Health Record
Any E-PME practical factors/(E-4) Advancement Qualification Exam
(AQE), if completed
Ask your YN before departure
Student Reporting Questionnaire
SK Welcome Aboard Memo
Things to do while at SK School

NOTE:

EPME in "A" school
All "A" school students must pass the EPME apprentice (E-4) Advancement Qualification Exam (AQE) in order to graduate as a Third Class Petty Officer. This applies to all students attending "A" school classes. There will be plenty of homework to keep you busy while in school. For this reason, I strongly encourage all future "A" school students to pass their AQE prior to reporting to school. However, if you are unable to accomplish this prior to reporting, you will have an opportunity to complete it while attending school.
Read the Training Center's Welcome Aboard pamphlet.
Readthe SK "A" School Student Guide pamphlet.
Bring Page 7 copy of change in maximum allowable weight, if applicable.
Order chronic and/or allergy medication as required.
Ensure uniforms are inspection ready & complete (Full Sea Bag).
Provide school contact information to unit and family.
Begin a physical conditioning program, as needed.
If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact the SK "A" school staff via email/phone. If you don't have access to the Internet, please call (707) 765-7907, so we can get this information to you. We know that your training experience with us will be productive and beneficial. It is our ultimate goal that you will graduate and take your place as a Storekeeper/Petty Officer in the U.S. Coast Guard.

See you soon!