The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) recently released a report set to address concerns about sexual assaults within the organization. The report was conducted in response to earlier investigations that uncovered serious misconduct but that were ignored. The current report highlights changes for the future but fails to address past wrongs.
Operation Fouled Anchor
The current report comes after a 2019 study now called Operation Fouled Anchor revealed to the public in 2023. The 2019 investigation found that many incidents of serious misconduct within the USCG had been covered up. It showed that several alleged offenders were never held accountable and were even allowed to move up the ranks.
Fouled Anchor included reports of assaults, rapes, and other types of misconduct that occurred between the 1980s and 2006. The cover-ups made it clear that the USCG was more concerned about reputation than victims.
The report only came to light after CNN revealed it in early 2023. This led to Congressional demands for action. In response, the Coast Guard commandant Linda Fagan apologized and committed to greater transparency.
Coast Guard Internal Review
In response to the scandal, the Coast Guard conducted an internal review and recently released the findings in a new report.
Some of the findings in the report highlight how inadequate the Coast Guard’s measures for protecting victims have been. The organization uses an outdated definition of rape, for example. It does not have a support program for victims affected by actions before 2000. Leaders consistently fail to prevent or respond to incidents. The report revealed that the Coast Guard had made some positive changes over the last 20 years but
The report also recommended several reforms that leaders state will require additional funding:
- A mentorship program to help victims cope in the aftermath of sexual assault
- The creation of a safe reporting policy to ensure victims who report incidents will not be penalized for minor infractions like drinking
- Adding more security measures, including better locks on Academy bedroom doors
- Increasing oversight of the Academy and the behavior of its cadets, including supervision of a summer program run by upperclassmen
- Reducing pensions for anyone found to have engaged in misconduct
Ongoing Criticism of the Coast Guard
While the internal review has increased transparency and set a path for an improved culture within the Coast Guard, many critics have found fault with the approach. One criticism is that the report is only words and that no improvements will be made until the organization takes concrete steps.
Another strong criticism is that the USCG has taken no steps to address the misconducts of the past or to hold those offenders accountable. Several senators have called for an independent investigation to ensure that this happens and that concrete changes are made going forward.
If you experienced sexual assault in the Coast Guard or in another maritime job, you have rights. Talk to a maritime lawyer about what you can do to seek justice, hold the offenders accountable, and recover damages.