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U.S. Coast Guard Adm. Kevin E. Lunday is sworn in as the 28th Coast Guard Commandant by U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 15, 2026. Lunday served as Acting Commandant since Jan. 20, 2025. Before serving as Commandant, Lunday served as the 34th Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard

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.

A Coast Guard Cutter Alert (WMEC 630) small boat crew interdicts a go-fast style vessel trafficking illegal narcotics in the Windward Passage, Dec. 6, 2025. Alert's crew seized 2,250 pounds of cocaine valued at $18.4 million, seven pounds of marijuana valued at $7,000 and an illegal firearm, later transferring the narcotics, firearm and four suspected drug smugglers aboard to the Bahamas government for prosecution. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

Jan. 15, 2026

Coast Guard Cutter Alert returns home after interdicting more than $18.4M in narcotics during 45-day patrol

Cape Canaveral, Fla. — The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Alert (WMEC 630) returned to their home port in Cape Canaveral, Thursday, following a 45-day counter-drug patrol in the Windward Passage, Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific Ocean. While underway in the Coast Guard Southeast District area of responsibility, Alert’s crew interdicted a go-fast style vessel trafficking illegal narcotics in the Windward Passage. The crew seized 2,250 pounds of cocaine valued at $18.4 million, seven pounds of marijuana valued at $7,000 and an illegal firearm. The four suspected smugglers on board, narcotics and firearm were transferred to the Bahamas government for prosecution.

Jan. 15, 2026

Coast Guard Releases Force Design 2028 Initial Update, Highlights Return on Investment

WASHINGTON — The United States Coast Guard today released the Force Design 2028 Initial Update, detailing the reforms implemented since January 2025 and the significant, measurable impacts these changes have delivered for the American people. The update underscores how Force Design 2028 has strengthened the Service’s operational effectiveness, improved workforce readiness, accelerated capability delivery, and generated unprecedented value for the Nation.

A U.S. Navy MH-60 Knighthawk helicopter crew from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 hoists a 60-year-old ill mariner from the 459-foot U.S.-flagged cable-laying ship Decisive on Jan. 13, 2026, about 110 miles off Guam for further transport to Guam for a high level of medical care. U.S. Coast Guard Joint Rescue Sub-Center Guam watchstanders received the medical evacuation request from the captain of the Decisive at approximately 10:10 a.m. local time on Jan. 12 while the ship was over 400 nautical miles offshore of Guam, outside of hoist-capable aircraft range, and worked to coordinate the medevac. (U.S. Navy photo by HSC-25)

Jan. 15, 2026

U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard coordinate to evacuate ill mariner from cable-laying vessel off Guam

A U.S. Navy MH-60 knighthawk helicopter crew from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 safely evacuated and transferred an ill mariner from the 459-foot U.S.-flagged cable-laying ship Decisive on Tuesday, thanks to the coordinated efforts of HSC-25 and the watch at U.S. Coast Guard Joint Rescue Sub-Center Guam. JRSC Guam watchstanders received the medical evacuation request from the captain of the Decisive at approximately 10:10 a.m. local time on Monday. The 60-year-old man, a U.S. national, reported heart attack symptoms. The ship was over 400 nautical miles offshore of Guam, outside of hoist-capable aircraft range. “This successful medical evacuation highlights the outstanding partnership between the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, and our maritime industry partners in ensuring the safety of life at sea around Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and getting mariners to a higher level of medical care when needed,” said Cmdr. Grant Johnson, the U.S. Coast Guard search and rescue mission coordinator.

An architectural rendering depicts the future U.S. Coast Guard Station South Padre Island, Texas. The $200 million recapitalization project includes new operational, support, and waterfront facilities, and is scheduled for completion in 2028. (U.S. Coast Guard courtesy illustration)

Jan. 14, 2026

Coast Guard awards record $200 million contract to rebuild Station South Padre Island, Texas

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Coast Guard has awarded a $200 million design-build contract to The Haskell Company for the comprehensive recapitalization and expansion of Coast Guard Station South Padre Island in South Padre Island, Texas. This award marks the largest single task order in the history of the Coast Guard’s military construction program.

Jan. 14, 2026

MEDIA ADVISORY: Adm. Kevin E. Lunday to assume command of the U.S. Coast Guard

WASHINGTON — Adm. Kevin E. Lunday will officially be sworn in as the 28th Commandant of the United States Coast Guard during an Assumption of Command Ceremony. The ceremony will be presided over by the Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem.

The USCGC Hickory (WLB 212), a 225-foot Juniper-class seagoing buoy tender, arrives in Apra Harbor as it comes to their new homeport in Guam on Jan. 14, 2026, following a more than 13,000-mile transit over 71 days from the U.S. Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore through the Panama Canal. After an extended Major Maintenance Availability at the Yard, part of the In-Service Vessel Sustainment Program that modernizes the entire Juniper-class fleet with hull repairs, system upgrades, and replacement of obsolete equipment, the Hickory is now fully revitalized. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Warrant Officer Muir)

Jan. 14, 2026

USCGC Hickory arrives in Guam, restoring full buoy tender capacity in Oceania

SANTA RITA, Guam — The USCGC Hickory (WLB 212), a 225-foot Juniper-class seagoing buoy tender, arrived at its new homeport in Guam on Wednesday, following a more than 13,000-mile transit over 71 days from the U.S. Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore through the Panama Canal. After an extended Major Maintenance Availability at the Yard, part of the In-Service Vessel Sustainment Program that modernizes the entire Juniper-class fleet with hull repairs, system upgrades, and replacement of obsolete equipment, the Hickory is now fully revitalized. “This crew has shown remarkable resilience through extended separations and demanding preparations. We are excited to reunite with our families in Guam and eager to get underway on ATON missions that keep these vital sea lanes safe. As a multi-mission cutter, Hickory stands ready to support the full spectrum of Coast Guard operations in this critical region,” said Lt. Cmdr. Jonathan Lash, commanding officer of Hickory.

Jan. 13, 2026

Coast Guard interdicts 15 aliens near San Clemente Island

SAN DIEGO – Coast Guard members interdicted 15 suspected aliens approximately 24 miles southwest of San Clemente Island, Tuesday morning.At 9:43 p.m., Monday night, watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector San Diego Joint Harbor Operations Center received a report of an unidentified vessel transiting towards U.S. waters and dispatched Coast Guard Cutter David Duren (WPC 1156) crew members.

Coast Guard and local law enforcement crews will be on the lookout for illegal passenger for hire vessel operations in the San Juan Harbor during the San Sebastián Festival from Jan. 15 to 28, 2026. Only a captain licensed by the Coast Guard can transport passengers for hire and must do so in a vessel that has the proper lifesaving equipment onboard. Vessel operators who carry passengers for hire without the proper license face the termination of the voyage and possible fines that may range from $500 to a maximum of $117,608. (U.S. Coast Guard graphic)

Jan. 13, 2026

Coast Guard, federal and local law enforcement to patrol San Juan Harbor for illegal passenger vessel operations during 2026 San Sebastian St. Festival

Coast Guard, federal and local law enforcement crews will be on the lookout for illegal passenger for hire vessel operations in San Juan Harbor during the San Sebastián Festival from Jan. 15 to 18 in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. Only a captain licensed by the Coast Guard can transport passengers for hire and must do so in a vessel that has the proper lifesaving equipment onboard. Vessel operators who carry passengers for hire without the proper license may face the termination of the voyage and possible fines that may range from $500 to a maximum of $117,608. “With crowd projections for the San Sebastian Street Festival estimated this year at over one million people, we anticipate a higher volume of recreational and commercial maritime activity in San Juan Harbor.” said Cmdr. Matthew Romano, Sector San Juan chief of response. “We are working in close communication and collaboration with city, state, and federal law enforcement authorities to do everything possible to ensure a safe and enjoyable weekend for everyone. We caution the public seeking to gain access to the festival via the maritime route to be on the lookout for illegal passenger for hire vessel operators, and to not contract any operator who refuses or fails to present their captain and vessel credentials. Illegal passenger vessel operators represent a risk to maritime vessels and passenger safety, so it is of vital importance we raise awareness to avoid any incidents that could threaten people’s safety in the water and ruin their festival experience.”

A Customs and Border Protection marine unit rescues a capsized kayaker off the coast of Salinas, Puerto Rico, Jan. 12, 2026. Coast Guard watchstanders at Sector San Juan issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast and coordinated with 911 and responding units to rescue the man from Aibonito, Puerto Rico, who reportedly was fishing when a wave caused his kayak to capsize approximately half a mile offshore. (Courtesy photo provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection)

Jan. 13, 2026

Coast Guard, a Customs and Border Protection marine unit rescue capsized kayaker off Salinas, Puerto Rico

Coast Guard watchstanders and a Customs and Border Protection marine unit rescued a capsized kayaker off the coast of Salinas, Puerto Rico, Monday. The rescued man is a man from Aibonito, Puerto Rico, who reportedly was fishing when a wave caused his kayak to capsize, approximately half a mile offshore in three to four-foot seas. Coast Guard watchstanders at Sector San Juan received a call at 3:35 p.m., Monday, from a 911 Emergency Service operator reporting a capsized kayaker and a broad general location off the coast of Salinas. Before all the information could be obtained from the reporting source, the call dropped and could not be reestablished. Watchstanders directed the launch of a Coast Guard MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter, issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast to mariners and notified Puerto Rico Emergency Management, Department of Natural and Environmental Resources and Police Joint Force of Rapid Action of the distress situation.