November 11, 2025
Tucked away on the Mezzanine level of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), outside of security, the 7,500-square-foot SEA USO Center offers a home away from home for service members and their families on the move. One of 220 USO locations worldwide —and one of the three busiest in the Western region — the center serves more than 75,000 military travelers each year.
In honor of Veteran’s Day, take a behind-the-scenes look at the stories and history that make this an important space for those who serve.
USO Northwest’s first location
USO Northwest opened its first regional location at SEA in 1966, making it the birthplace of the regional USO network. The USO Northwest supports America’s military service members and their families throughout the states of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Over the decades, the center has moved to different airport locations before opening its current space in February 2015.
The USO (United Service Organizations) was originally formed during World War II by combining six existing groups — including the YMCA, Salvation Army, and Jewish and Catholic welfare organizations — to boost troop morale. Most people associate the USO with Bob Hope’s entertainment tours, but it began as a grassroots effort providing coffee, letters home, and comfort to troops in transit.
One of the busiest USOs in the nation
The center serves an average of 7,500 military travelers a month — one of the busiest USOs in the nation because SEA is a designated gateway for U.S. troops and their families deploying or returning from Asia (Japan, Korea, Guam, and Okinawa) via the Air Mobility Command (AMC). This means it’s one of a handful of official U.S. military travel hubs for troops deploying or returning from overseas duty stations. These are chartered military flights, not commercial routes, though they often operate on civilian aircraft managed through contracts.
Most AMC travelers have long layovers (up to 20 hours) as they await connecting flights for permanent station changes. On nights when the AMC departs, the USO adjusts its hours to be open between 8 a.m. and 4 a.m. the next day (Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday). Most other nights it stays open until midnight.
Walking on history
When you enter the USO, you’re literally walking on history. The centers floors are made from teak decking salvaged from the WWII-era battleship USS Colorado. The wood was used as a Boeing cafeteria wall before being donated for the USO buildout. Veterans say the dark marks in the planks are scars from when the ship was attacked in battle.
An Air Force two-star general visiting the SEA USO learned about the history of the floor and remarked that his father had served on the USS Colorado. He was standing on the same planks where his father once walked.
Other pieces of history on display include:
- A model of the USS Colorado commissioned by the ship’s alumni association
- A December 7, 1941 ship logbook open to the day the U.S. entered WWII
- A bent ship’s bell from the USS West Virginia, damaged during the attack on Pearl Harbor
Providing comfort and care for those who serve
The SEA USO is designed to help military travelers relax, recharge, and reconnect during their journey. Amenities include:
- Nap rooms with donated Lazy Boy recliners — courtesy of the former Lazy Boy Northwest owner — or bunks for deeper rest
- Luggage storage, so guests can explore Seattle luggage-free during long layovers
- Entertainment options, including Xbox gaming stations, Wi-Fi, computers, and TVs
- Hot dogs, sandwiches, cookies, and snacks made fresh daily by volunteers
- Showers to refresh and family rooms for travelers with kids
Volunteer-powered and community-supported
The SEA USO Center is powered by over 240 volunteers and two paid staff members, Matt Sult, Center Manager, and Juan Rangel, Night Manager.
One hundred percent of the programs, services, and food at the USO are provided through community donations or fundraising efforts. Local partners like Alaska Airlines, Microsoft, and the Port of Seattle contribute materials, equipment, and holiday support.
The center’s brick wall fundraiser displays engraved stories of local veterans and families throughout the USO, including a set of six bricks dedicated to the dogs of a four-star general’s widow.
Every December, USO Northwest volunteers set up gift wrapping stations at SEA, with donations funding needed upgrades to the facility. Past improvements include a new washer and drier, Emeco chairs (originally created in 1944 for warships and sailors during World War II), an upgraded entry ramp, ballistic glass in the entryway, and a women’s shower.
Read more about the SEA USO Center
