The U.S. Senate confirmed Adm. Kevin E. Lunday as the 28th Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, formally elevating him from acting commandant to the service’s permanent leader.
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's Dec. 18 confirmation followed a temporary hold by Senate Democrats over Coast Guard policy language regarding hate symbols such as swastikas and nooses. Lawmakers had objected to guidance that previously described those symbols as “potentially divisive.” After the Coast Guard removed that language, objections were lifted and Lunday’s nomination advanced.
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 him in October 2025 to serve in the permanent role.
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.
