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Press Release | Jan. 15, 2026

Kevin E. Lunday is sworn in as the 28th Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard

WASHINGTON – The United States Coast Guard held a formal swearing-in and assumption of command ceremony today for Adm. Kevin Lunday as the 28th Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard during an event at Coast Guard Headquarters.

Secretary Kristi Noem joined senior Coast Guard leadership, members of the Joint Force and distinguished guests in recognizing the transition of command and Adm. Lunday’s commitment to leading the Service.

“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 Secretary 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. Congratulations, Admiral Lunday!" 

Upon taking the oath of office, Adm. Lunday formally assumed the responsibilities of Commandant and reaffirmed the Coast Guard’s enduring role as a vital instrument of national power responsible for controlling, securing, and defending the U.S. border and maritime approaches; facilitating the safe and secure flow of commerce that is vital to economic prosperity, strategic mobility, and America’s maritime dominance; and responding to crises and contingencies that may come without warning.

“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.”

As Commandant, Adm. Lunday will lead the Service’s continued transformation through Force Design 2028, while strengthening operational readiness and supporting the Coast Guard workforce and their families.

The Coast Guard remains Always Ready, delivering mission excellence across the maritime domain in service to the American people.

For media inquiries contact mediarelations@uscg.mil.

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About the U.S. Coast Guard 
With more than 95,000 miles of shoreline, 25,000 miles of navigable rivers and 4.5 million square miles of U.S. exclusive economic zone, the U.S. Coast Guard defends the Nation, protects the marine transportation system, regulates and safeguards ports and waterways, leads the Nation in maritime drug interdiction and secures the maritime border. As a member of the joint force, a law enforcement organization, a regulatory agency and a member of the U.S. intelligence community, the Coast Guard employs a unique mix of authorities to ensure the safety and integrity of the maritime domain to protect the economic and national security of the nation. More than 76,000 members of the Coast Guard operate a multi-mission, interoperable fleet of more than 220 cutters, 185 fixed and rotary-wing aircraft, 1,300 boats and its own dedicated cyber command to protect critical maritime infrastructure.

More information about the U.S. Coast Guard can be found at www.uscg.mil Follow @USCG on X and Instagram, like us on Facebook, subscribe on YouTube and follow LinkedIn — connect with us.

Make a difference on land, at sea or in the air with the Coast Guard. Visit GoCoastGuard.com to find out how to be part of our team.

-USCG-