The U.S. Coast Guard on Thursday held a formal swearing-in and assumption of command ceremony for Adm. Kevin E. Lunday as the 28th Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard during an event at Coast Guard Headquarters.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem joined senior Coast Guard leadership, members of the Joint Force, and distinguished guests to mark the transition of command and recognize Lunday’s leadership.
The commandant serves as the highest-ranking officer of the Coast Guard, responsible for overseeing its operations, policy, and readiness to protect maritime safety, security, and national interests.
Lunday had been serving as acting commandant since Jan. 21, 2025, after being appointed following the departure of former commandant Adm. Linda Fagan. President Trump formally nominated Lunday in October 2025 to serve in the permanent role, and he was confirmed by the Senate in December.
“President Trump’s plan was simple when he became President of the United States. He wanted to revitalize the Coast Guard, equip it with the best technology, ships, and aircraft available, and then recruit the men and women that were necessary to run it all. It’s a tall order, and it takes a special kind of leader to lead this team and make that a reality," said Noem. "With almost 40 years in the Coast Guard, and with command experience that has ranged from the Indo-Pacific to the Persian Gulf to cyberspace, Kevin Lunday was the man for the job."
Lunday served as the 34th vice commandant from June 2024 and previously commanded Atlantic Area. He gained extensive experience in the Indo-Pacific as commander of the 14th Coast Guard District. He also led Coast Guard Cyber Command and earlier served as director of exercises and training at U.S. Cyber Command.
A career national security attorney and judge advocate, Lunday is a distinguished graduate of the National War College, earning a Master of Science in National Security Strategy, and a graduate of the Naval War College with distinction. He holds a Juris Doctor with high honors from George Washington University Law School and a Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering with honors from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.
“I am honored to assume command of the United States Coast Guard,” said Adm. Kevin Lunday. “Every day, Coast Guard men and women carry out missions that protect our homeland, secure our maritime borders, save lives, and protect national security. I am humbled to serve alongside them while ensuring they have what they need to succeed – today and in the future.”
