A Campus with a Storied Legacy: Where History Fuels the Future

Our remarkable campus isn't just a place of learning; it's a site steeped in American history, proudly standing on the foundation of the Raymond Rees National Guard Training Center (RTC). Originally established in October 1941 as the Umatilla Army Ordnance Depot, this installation played a pivotal role in supporting the U.S. during past national efforts, employing over 2,000 dedicated civilian personnel. Even through various national defense phases, this site served critical missions. While its specific past operations concluded in 2011, the installation has now transformed into the Raymond Rees National Guard Training Center. Today, RTC honors its legacy by providing mission-ready training space and support for military units across the region, remaining a vital component of Oregon's defense infrastructure. It's within this extraordinary setting that STARBASE Rees thrives. Our campus features over a thousand distinctive "igloo" structures—visible from Interstate 84 Exit 177 for the National Guard Training Center—that once served a key purpose for the nation. These iconic landmarks are a powerful reminder of the past, now inspiring the groundbreaking work that happens here. We offer an unparalleled setting where students can explore, experiment, and envision their future within a truly one-of-a-kind learning space.