The U.S. Coast Guard has pledged to implement reforms following an internal review that revealed a concerning prevalence of sexual assault and harassment within the organization. The 90-day review, which was released on Wednesday, highlighted a lack of safety and eroding trust in leadership among Coast Guard members. It called for an end to a “permissive environment” that tolerates inappropriate jokes and comments, emphasizing the need for preventive measures against “inappropriate or unhealthy behavior” from the outset.
The report’s recommendations were based on interviews with numerous Coast Guard personnel from various locations, including victims of sexual assault and harassment dating back to the 1960s. These interviews revealed deep-rooted pain and loss of trust within the organization. Recognizing the broken trust was identified as an essential first step in rebuilding it.
The review was initiated by Adm. Linda Fagan, the commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, in response to criticism over the service’s failure to disclose a six-year internal investigation known as “Operation Fouled Anchor.” This investigation, which came to light through CNN’s reporting, exposed 62 substantiated incidents of rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in Connecticut between 1988 and 2006.
U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, a Democrat from Connecticut and chair of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, expressed dissatisfaction with the new review, stating that it fails to hold anyone accountable for past failures, particularly those at the Coast Guard Academy. U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, also a Democrat from Connecticut, echoed this sentiment, deeming it unacceptable that the report did not recommend accountability measures for past misconduct and cover-ups.
While acknowledging the report’s modest plan to enhance oversight, training, and support for survivors, Sen. Murphy emphasized that concrete steps must be taken to address the issues. He referred to previous CNN reporting, which uncovered the Coast Guard’s concealment of a 2015 report exposing gender and race discrimination, hazing, and sexual assault within the service. The report highlighted a persistent “boys will be boys” attitude that still prevails.
In response to the internal review, Adm. Fagan issued a memorandum outlining specific actions to be taken. These include tailored training programs to cultivate a positive workplace climate for all personnel, from recruits to senior executives. Additionally, more effective leadership courses and increased oversight of the cadet corps at the academy are being developed. By 2025, plans will be implemented to expand in-person bystander intervention training and provide comprehensive sexual assault prevention, response, and recovery training for all Coast Guard personnel. Improved physical security measures within the cadet dormitory are also being implemented.
Adm. Fagan’s memo emphasized the collective responsibility to ensure that every Coast Guard workplace fosters a climate that discourages harmful behaviors. The Coast Guard is actively responding to congressional requests regarding cases stemming from Operation Fouled Anchor, and further inquiries are being conducted by the Coast Guard Investigative Service.
The findings of the internal review have underscored the urgent need for reform within the U.S. Coast Guard. The organization must address the widespread issues of sexual assault and harassment, reestablish trust, and cultivate a safe and empowering workplace for all its members.
