Editor’s Note: Earlier this week, Commandant Adm. Linda Fagan sent Congress the following one-year update on the Accountability and Transparency Review.
It has been one year since I directed the Accountability and Transparency Review (ATR) to assess the Coast Guard’s culture, policies, and processes following revelations of the Operation Fouled Anchor (OFA) investigation. I am writing today to provide you an update on the progress we have made implementing ATR findings and our broader ongoing efforts to strengthen our Service culture.
Every Coast Guard service member deserves a culture where they feel safe, supported, valued, and respected – a culture that is intolerant of sexual assault and other harmful behaviors that undermine the mission and everything we stand for. Our efforts, driven by my clear direction as Commandant, are designed to support and empower our entire workforce to fully realize this objective. Here is what we have done, what we intend on doing, and how you can help.
ATR Directed Actions
Following the ATR, I directed 33 initial actions focused on strengthening the Coast Guard’s culture, and 18 are complete. We have made great progress across all actions and have also identified and completed additional actions aligned with the objectives of the ATR. Notable actions include:
- Established the Enterprise Victim Advocate (EVA)
- Improved and enhanced in-person and online training
- Implemented a Safe to Report policy
Completed and pending actions are detailed in enclosure [1].
Victim Support
Everyone harmed by sexual assault is entitled to care and support. My highest priority is victim care. As we have seen in recent months, many victims have displayed tremendous courage by sharing their stories publicly. I am inspired by their bravery and remain dedicated to making a Coast Guard intolerant of harmful behaviors – where everyone is safe, respected, and empowered to do their best work.
The privacy of victims remains one of my top concerns – they decide whether and how to tell their stories. I will continue to protect their privacy and appreciate your support in that regard as we continue to cooperate with Congressional inquiries related to sexual assault prevention and response.
The Coast Guard is actively communicating to past and present service members about their options for receiving care and support, including with the launch of our Strengthening Service Culture website, which centralizes resource information and policy updates. This information includes how every current and former member can go to a Vet Center for treatment, and be seen the same day, without the need for any documentation of Military Sexual Trauma (MST).
There has been much discussion about form CG-6095. It is important to understand that a completed CG-6095 form is not required by the Vet Centers or to file for disability compensation benefits. We continue to communicate with our Sexual Assault Response Coordinators, Victim Advocates, and across our workforce to ensure that any member in need of care is aware of the resources available to them.
Just as our workforce must have access to the support they need, they must be able to trust in the process to report misconduct free from fear or retaliation. Along with our new ‘Safe to Report’ policy, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Jones and I personally brought together all of my officer, civilian, and enlisted leaders to ensure they do not tolerate retaliation or failure to take action. At every Coast Guard unit, I demand my leaders and members build trust and act with courage to create a culture intolerant of harm.
Accountability
As you are aware, in addition to ongoing Congressional investigations, Congress has directed the DHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) to investigate Coast Guard senior leader decision- making regarding the OFA investigation into sexual misconduct at the Coast Guard Academy from 1988 to 2006. I respect the important role of Congressional oversight in ensuring accountability for the Service, and we continue to cooperate with these investigatory efforts to the fullest extent of the law.
While they investigate, the OIG has directed the Coast Guard not to engage in any further investigative activities regarding OFA. This includes immediately refraining from interviewing potential witnesses, conducting direct victim outreach, collecting evidence, or taking any other action that may interfere with their ongoing investigation. We are honoring their direction and are fully supporting the OIG investigation.
While the OIG will make the ultimate determination on release and distribution of its final report, including whether to share with the Coast Guard, I look forward to its findings.
Accountability is critical for mission success, and essential for creating and maintaining trust with our workforce, with Congress, and with the public we serve. We will carefully evaluate the OIG’s findings to determine whether any actions are necessary to hold Coast Guard members accountable, regardless of rank or seniority.
Strengthening our Service Culture Initiative
This year marks the 30th anniversary of our Core Values: Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty. We are taking this opportunity to recommit to our Core Values in a thoughtful and deliberate manner that involves the entire workforce. Through surveys, conversation, training, and workshops, we are engaging them in our service-wide effort to more clearly describe our Core Values and define the expected daily behaviors that align with these values.
This is crucial, foundational, and enduring work that, in addition to our policy, training, and resourcing efforts, will fundamentally strengthen our Service culture. This work is ongoing, and I look forward to providing you an update when we reach milestones during this effort.
Resource Needs
We are in the process of transforming our Service culture. Cultural transformation is not easy and will not happen overnight. The Coast Guard’s work to support our members and create an environment inhospitable to sexual assault and harmful behaviors depends on adequate funding. I need your support to ensure we have the resources necessary to realize these efforts to enhance our climate and culture.
The Fiscal Year 2025 President’s Budget requests $11 million to further support these efforts. Specifically, the President’s Budget:
- Supports an expansion of the Service’s Integrated Primary Prevention (IPP) workforce.
- Requests growth for the recently established EVA initiative, to provide additional support to this first-of-its-kind key position.
- Supports augmenting the Academy’s complement of behavioral health professionals, which will greatly increase availability of care for cadets.
- Includes funding to increase transparency in the Officer Evaluation System through modernization and system enhancements.
The FY 2025 Unfunded Priorities List also supports $17.5 million for human resources information technology (IT) funding and an additional $11.8 million for Accountability and Transparency Review related actions. Together, these items represent a minimal but crucial downpayment on substantial future needs.
Going forward, we will be requesting resources to invest in our Service and our workforce, including to:
- Continue to enhance our Talent Management and human resources IT systems.
- Grow critical medical and personnel support capabilities.
- Establish new training paradigms for all levels of the organization.
- Grow the Coast Guard Investigative Service.
These investments are crucial – we must take these steps to ensure the Coast Guard culture every member expects and deserves.
The Way Ahead
I am tremendously proud of our workforce and the incredible work that they do every day in service of our nation. Their success is built on our culture and Core Values, the bedrock of our Service.
Earlier this month, the Coast Guard Academy class of 2028 reported to a revamped basic training regimen with enhanced oversight and a renewed focus on our Core Values. As they continue their cadet experience, they are learning that they have joined an incredible organization: one in which they are safe and valued, and where they will serve a vital role in ensuring the safety, security, and prosperity of our great nation.
The progress we have made over the past year is just the beginning. Thank you for your continued support as we strengthen our Service culture to ensure we remain the world’s best Coast Guard. I welcome the opportunity to share even more details of our work and way ahead with you and your staffs.
Semper Paratus!
Sincerely,
L. L. FAGAN
Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard Commandant
-USCG-
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