Naval Consolidated Brig, Miramar

Locked away within the confines of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, the Naval Consolidated Brig, Miramar stands as a stark reminder of military justice. The Naval Consolidated Brig, Miramar isn’t just any prison. It’s a consolidated brig, one of only three in the Navy. This means it serves as the central confinement facility for the entire Pacific region of the U.S. Department of Defense. Built in 1989 for a cool $17 million, the Naval Consolidated Brig, Miramar opened its doors to its first inmates on October 31st of the same year. The structure encompasses over 208,000 square feet and can house up to 400 inmates, both male and female. A combined force of 31 civilian and 173 military personnel keeps the facility running. The Naval Consolidated Brig, Miramar plays a critical role in maintaining order and discipline within the Navy. In 2003, it became the sole military prison in the U.S. to house female inmates. This consolidation allowed for the development of specialized, female-focused rehabilitation programs. Before this, these programs were scattered and struggled to achieve real impact due to the small number of women at each location. The Naval Consolidated Brig, Miramar’s emphasis is on rehabilitation. The aim is to help those who’ve stumbled to find their way back to serving honorably or to prepare them for a productive return to civilian life. A riot erupted within the walls of the Naval Consolidated Brig, Miramar in March 1996. A group of civilian inmates, housed there temporarily due to overcrowding in other facilities, rebelled. Their grievances? Limited commissary access and subpar television service. The ensuing chaos resulted in $500,000 in property damage and several injured inmates. Following this incident, the Navy vowed never again to house civilian prisoners at Miramar. In 2010, the Naval Consolidated Brig, Miramar underwent a significant expansion. This added 98,000 square feet, including new housing units specifically designed for both male and female inmates, along with a new processing center and other amenities. The expansion cost $28 million. Several infamous figures have served time within the Naval Consolidated Brig, Miramar. Among them are Lynndie England and Sabrina Harman, both involved in the Abu Ghraib prisoner abuse scandal. Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher was also held here during his pre-trial confinement.