In a significant move for national security, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem are advocating for the establishment of a Secretary of the Coast Guard. This position would address an existing gap, as the Coast Guard is the only branch of the military that currently operates under the Department of Homeland Security without a dedicated civilian leader. This proposed change reflects a broader effort to reform the Coast Guard, ensuring it is more effectively integrated with other military branches.
Hegseth emphasized the importance of this initiative, saying it would strengthen the Coast Guard’s support of “the full spectrum of national security operations.” He views the creation of this position as vital for enhancing coordination between the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of War. He stated, “Furthermore, a Secretary of the Coast Guard would reinforce civilian oversight of the military, a foundational principle of our Constitution.” This commitment to civilian control and clear leadership could enhance the Coast Guard’s role in national defense.
Noem supports this proposal as well, asserting that a Secretary of the Coast Guard would improve operational synergy among military services. In her statement, she noted, “The Coast Guard is the tip of the spear in the fight to protect our Homeland,” highlighting their crucial role in tackling illegal drug smuggling and engaging in operations in contested regions. She expressed her commitment to working with Hegseth, President Trump, and Congress to bring this vision to fruition.
Momentum for appointing a Secretary of the Coast Guard is increasing on Capitol Hill. Representative Mike Ezell is pushing for this change through the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025, approved by the House in July. He believes that creating this secretary position will streamline bureaucratic processes, allowing for more effective governance. “This person is going to be instrumental in getting things done,” Ezell told Fox News Digital. His focus is on reducing red tape that has historically hindered progress within the service.
The Coast Guard is also taking steps toward reforming its operational structure through the new Force Design 2028 plan, which aims to enhance everything from personnel standards to technological advancements. As part of this initiative, the Coast Guard announced it will implement a service-wide mandatory fitness test by 2026. This shift towards enforcing fitness standards has been long anticipated, particularly as the Coast Guard seeks to align more closely with the Department of Defense’s rigorous expectations.
Amid the backdrop of the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to confront issues like illegal immigration and drug smuggling, these developments in the Coast Guard illustrate a commitment to upgrading the capabilities and standards of this vital branch of the military. An official with knowledge of the Force Design 2028 plan remarked, “We’ve been making changes practically daily in the service to really keep moving forward.” The aim is to complete the transformation process by 2028.
These discussions highlight an important transition for the Coast Guard, aligning it with military counterparts in both leadership structure and operational effectiveness. As Hegseth and Noem champion this initiative, it reflects a broader recognition of the critical role the Coast Guard plays in safeguarding national interests at home and abroad.
"*" indicates required fields
