Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced Force Design 2028 at the Coast Guard Academy commencement ceremony May 21, an initiative that Coast Guard leadership says will “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 at the commencement ceremonies in New London, Conn. “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. Force Design 2028 is the bold blueprint needed to drive urgent action and win.”
Noem also announced the nomination of Adm. Kevin E. Lunday to serve as the 28th commandant of the Coast Guard. Lunday will continue serving as acting commandant until confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
A key element in the makeover will be establishing the first Coast Guard service secretary, a position elevated to the status of secretaries fort the other armed services. Coast Guard advocates have long insisted the service is shortchanged by not having equal stature in the Defense Department hierarchy.
“The other branches of the Armed Forces have Service Secretaries that provide direct civilian political leadership, control, oversight, accountability, and advocacy,” according to a Coast Guard statement Wednesday. “The Coast Guard does not, and despite the Service’s efforts to succeed, that has contributed to its neglect and drift for decades.”
The Force Design 2028 plan – or FD2028 in Coast Guard shorthand – “is a new path forward that allows the Coast Guard to better serve the American people, align with the other five military services, and swiftly effect needed change through strong civilian oversight and control,” according to the Coast Guard.
· The Secretary will be legislatively authorized, nominated by the President, and Senate confirmed.
· The Secretary will be accountable to the President and the DHS Secretary, and subject to congressional oversight, for all aspects of Coast Guard functions and operations.
· The Secretary will establish the strategic direction for the Coast Guard and direct actions to organize, man, train, and equip the Coast Guard to be ready to meet mission demands today and in the future.
· The Secretary will be authorized to exercise the DHS Secretary’s authorities under Titles 14 and 50, including acquisition and procurement, and fulfill duties commensurate with the other Secretaries of military departments under Title 10.
· The Secretary of the Coast Guard will report directly to the DHS Secretary. The Secretary of the Coast Guard will be supported by a Senate-confirmed Under Secretary of the Coast Guard.
