Today, I spoke to the Senate Subcommittee on Investigations about our Service’s efforts to combat sexual assault, sexual harassment, and other harmful behaviors.

Sexual assault and sexual harassment are crimes that harm our members, and it is not who we are.

I have had the privilege to meet with many victims to hear their stories firsthand. I know that some victims were in the hearing room today. I recognize the harm they experienced, the trust that was broken, and the difficult journeys they undertook to be heard.

I am so sorry for their pain.

As Commandant, I am committed to rebuilding trust. Our workforce deserves a culture where people feel connected and supported, and the continuing success of our missions depend on it.

Over the past 10 months, we have taken action to address not only the issues revealed by past investigations, but the broader issues of culture and workplace climate, including efforts to root out toxic behaviors and earn the trust of our workforce.

Every expert we’ve consulted has cautioned that culture change is anything but easy, but it is an undertaking that is critically important to our success as a service organization.

I will not shy from this essential work, and I know our service members are already rising to this challenge.

That’s why I’m confident this sustained effort will make the U.S. Coast Guard stronger, more resilient, and more responsive to our people and the public we serve.

Semper Paratus.

Admiral Linda L. Fagan
Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard