Noem Announces New Coast Guard Leadership And Force Policies

Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced new leadership and force design policies for the U.S. Coast Guard May 21 during the Coast Guard Academy’s commencement ceremony. According to a press release from her office, the Force Design 2028 (FD2028) initiative “provides a blueprint to transform the Coast Guard into a stronger, more ready and capable fighting force.”

“Now, more than ever, the American people need a strong and capable Coast Guard,” Noem said. “The Coast Guard must not simply evolve. It must revolutionize how it functions and operates to ensure decisive advantage over adversaries. This requires a fundamental change.”

Noem also announced President Donald J. Trump’s nomination of Adm. Kevin E. Lunday to serve as the Coast Guard’s 28th commandant. Lunday will continue serving as acting commandant until confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

“The 28th commandant will lead the Coast Guard through a historic period of change,” Noem said. “Under their leadership, we will establish the first Coast Guard service secretary and facilitate the implementation of FD2028. FD2028 will re-shape how the Coast Guard functions and operates to ensure decisive advantage over adversaries.”

“Now is the time for fundamental change,” Lunday said. “Secretary Noem has said that we must reinvigorate the Coast Guard or risk strategic failure. I am honored to lead our Coast Guard men and women in this historic effort to renew the service for the future.”

FD2028 outlines several key initiatives and campaign areas. One initiative is the establishment of a legislatively authorized secretary of the Coast Guard. The secretary would report directly to the secretary of homeland security. Another goal of FD2028 would be to grow the Coast Guard’s workforce by at least 15,000 members.

FD2028 would also aim to reform the Coast Guard’s organizational structure, set forth a plan for harnessing advanced technology like artificial intelligence and streamline contracting and acquisition processes to better and more quickly respond to emerging threats.

“FD2028 represents an opportunity at a critical moment in history to transform the Coast Guard,” Noem said. “Within 30 days, the commandant will deliver an execution plan, followed by the commencement of a force posture and operational concepts campaign within 150 days, and the first of semiannual updates within 180 days.”