LIVE: NEW Commandant Takes Charge of the US Coast Guard Today

Admiral Kevin E. Lunday officially assumed command as the 28th Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard during a ceremony held today, January 15, 2026.

Ceremony Details
Presiding Officer: Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem presided over the event.
Time: The ceremony was scheduled for 11:00 a.m. EST.

Admiral Kevin Lunday officially assumed command as the 28th Commandant of the United States Coast Guard on December 18, 2025.

His formal confirmation and assumption of command followed a nearly year-long period in which he served as the Acting Commandant. This transition was one of the most unique in the service's history due to the sudden removal of his predecessor and a prolonged legislative confirmation process.

Key Ceremony & Appointment Details
Official Assumption Date: December 18, 2025.

Acting Tenure: Admiral Lunday had been leading the service in an acting capacity since January 21, 2025, following the removal of Admiral Linda Fagan by the Trump administration.

The Confirmation Process: His permanent appointment was delayed in the Senate due to a high-profile controversy regarding Coast Guard internal policies on "divisive symbols" (specifically nooses and swastikas). The hold was lifted after the Department of Homeland Security clarified and updated workplace harassment policies.

Presiding Official: The efforts to confirm and seat Admiral Lunday were championed by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem.

Admiral Lunday’s Strategic Focus: "Force Design 2028"
Upon his assumption of command, Admiral Lunday emphasized a "fundamental change" for the service. His leadership is defined by a new modernization blueprint titled Force Design 2028, which focuses on:

Digital Modernization: Upgrading the Coast Guard’s aging IT infrastructure and enhancing cyber defense capabilities (drawing from his background as a former Commander of Coast Guard Cyber Command).

New Technologies: Increased integration of unmanned systems (drones) and autonomous maritime platforms.

Workforce Reform: Addressing recruitment and retention challenges that have impacted the service in recent years.

Border Security: A renewed focus on maritime migration deterrence and drug interdiction, particularly in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific.

Military Background
Admiral Lunday is a 1987 graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and a career national security attorney (Judge Advocate). Before becoming Commandant, he served in several high-level roles:

Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard.

Commander, Coast Guard Atlantic Area (LANTAREA).

Commander, Coast Guard Cyber Command.

Commander, 14th Coast Guard District (Honolulu, HI).

Note on Tradition: A Change of Command ceremony is a formal military ritual that represents the transfer of total responsibility and authority from one individual to another. The passing of the Coast Guard ensign (flag) signifies that the service is never without official leadership.

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Coast Guard Commandant Kevin Lunday Assumption of Command Ceremony


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