The Coast Guard’s Transparency Crisis:

The recent reports to Congress on sexual misconduct within the U.S. Coast Guard bring to light an alarming pattern of concealment and lack of accountability. Both the A Pervasive Problem, Voices of Coast Guard Sexual Assault and Harassment Survivors report and the FY 22 Sexual Assault and Harassment in the Coast Guard annual Congressional report demonstrate how a failure to openly address incidents of sexual assault and harassment has allowed these problems to persist for decades, putting Coast Guard members at continued risk.

US Coast Guard Academy, New London, CT

A Legacy of Concealment and Missed Accountability

Historically, the Coast Guard has hidden key findings from internal investigations, most notably in Operation Fouled Anchor, an investigation conducted from 1990 to 2006 that uncovered more than 100 cases of sexual misconduct at the Coast Guard Academy. Despite the severity of the findings, the results were kept hidden from Congress and the public for over a decade, allowing many perpetrators to continue their careers without facing meaningful consequences. This decision not only failed the victims but also endangered future members by preserving an environment where misconduct could continue unchecked.

The FY 2022 Sexual Assault Report mirrors this troubling trend, revealing that out of 226 reports of sexual assault during the year, only a small fraction led to substantial legal action. Many cases resulted in either no action or minimal administrative measures. These weak responses highlight the ongoing gap between reported misconduct and actual accountability, reinforcing the urgent need for transparency and stronger institutional response to protect Coast Guard members.

Transparency and Accountability: The Missing Link

Both reports emphasize that transparency is essential for holding perpetrators accountable and fostering a culture of accountability. Without transparency, there is no way to ensure that investigations are being conducted properly or that perpetrators are being disciplined appropriately. For instance, the FY 2022 Report revealed that of the 176 unrestricted sexual assault investigations initiated, 118 were still pending at the close of the fiscal year . This delay, compounded by a lack of updates on case outcomes, erodes trust within the ranks and sends a message that misconduct can be overlooked or handled without urgency.

When members of the Coast Guard see that investigations drag on and often result in minimal punishment, it discourages victims from reporting incidents and leads to a culture of silence. One example from the Voices of Coast Guard Survivors report tells of a cadet who continued to live near her assailant, with no immediate protective action from leadership. The lack of decisive action in such cases contributes to a dangerous atmosphere where victims are left vulnerable and perpetrators feel emboldened.

The Coast Guard's Promises and Reforms

In response to these persistent issues, the Coast Guard has made public promises to improve transparency and accountability. In the FY 2022 Report, Admiral Linda Fagan announced a 90-day Accountability and Transparency Review aimed at addressing the gaps in the Coast Guard's handling of sexual misconduct. While the recommendations resulting from this review are in various states of completion, the review seeks to improve the accuracy of reporting, the timeliness of investigations, and the communication of case outcomes, all of which are essential for restoring trust in the organization. It remains to be seen if it will have any success in changing the culture around sexual assault and harassment in the US Coast Guard.

Additionally, the Coast Guard has committed to reforms such as establishing the Office of the Chief Prosecutor (OCP), which will have independent authority to decide whether to prosecute sexual assault and other serious offenses. This shift aims to remove the potential for command bias in prosecution decisions, placing responsibility in the hands of experienced legal professionals. However, it remains to be seen whether the OCP is leading to a greater number of prosecutions or stricter consequences for offenders.

Is the OCP Leading to More Prosecutions?

While the creation of the OCP is a step toward reform, questions remain about whether it is effectively increasing the number of cases being prosecuted and delivering justice for victims. Public data on the OCP's case outcomes and prosecution rates has been limited, leaving doubts about its impact. If the Coast Guard is serious about rebuilding trust and addressing sexual misconduct, it should publicize improved prosecution rates and outcomes to show that real progress is being made. Greater transparency in how the OCP handles cases will allow both Congress and the public to hold the Coast Guard accountable and ensure that reforms are not just theoretical but leading to meaningful change.

The Role of Transparency in Cultural Change

Ultimately, transparency is critical for changing the culture of sexual misconduct within the Coast Guard. By openly reporting on the outcomes of investigations and prosecutions, the Coast Guard can demonstrate its commitment to accountability. Transparency reassures members that misconduct will not be tolerated and that their reports will be handled with the seriousness they deserve.

For victims, transparency in the process ensures that their voices are heard and their cases are addressed, rather than buried in slow-moving investigations or closed-door decisions. When survivors see that investigations lead to real consequences for offenders, they are more likely to come forward and trust that the institution is working to protect them. The ongoing scrutiny is necessary to ensure that these changes lead to real cultural transformation. The more the Coast Guard reveals about its efforts and results, the more likely it is to rebuild trust, protect its members, and create an environment where misconduct is met with swift and appropriate action.

The reports to Congress paint a troubling picture of the Coast Guard's long-standing issues with transparency and accountability in sexual misconduct cases. Both past and present failures have perpetuated a culture where perpetrators often face few consequences, while victims are left to fend for themselves. By embracing transparency and publicizing meaningful reforms, the Coast Guard can begin to shift this culture, ensuring the safety and well-being of its members and restoring its credibility as a service committed to justice and integrity.