Trump Administration Proposes Independent Service Secretary for Coast Guard

Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has given the green light to a significant overhaul of the U.S. Coast Guard’s management framework, kicking off with a long-anticipated initiative to appoint a civilian service secretary for USCG headquarters. unlike the Army, Navy, and Air Force—each led by civilian secretaries appointed by the President—the Coast Guard operates under the Department of Homeland Security and is currently directed by a uniformed officer.

“The American public deserves an empowered and effective Coast Guard now more than ever,” Noem stated. “It’s not enough for us to simply adapt; we need to completely transform our operations to maintain an edge over potential threats. This calls for deep-rooted changes.”

The strategic vision known as Force Design 2028 aims to reshape how the Coast guard is organized. The proposed service secretary would report directly to Noem and take charge of decision-making, oversight, and procurement processes—similar in function to what exists in other military branches.to make this happen, new legislation is on the table thanks to leaders from oversight committees in Congress.

This plan also suggests streamlining operations at headquarters for greater agility and focus on strategy. New program executive offices (PEOs), akin to those used by the Navy, will adopt a systems-oriented approach toward acquisitions and maintenance efforts. The service secretary would gain ultimate authority over contracts while implementing stricter guidelines around requirements—a major factor contributing to rising costs and delays in shipbuilding projects.

A previous directive from Homeland Security mandated that flag officer positions within the Coast Guard be reduced by 25%, equating roughly to 12 roles being cut back. Additionally, all six planned promotions for one-star admirals this year have been scrapped under Noem’s direction.

The revamped force design also emphasizes crucial investments aimed at addressing personnel shortages through new recruitment incentives with an ambitious goal: increasing its military workforce by 15,000 members before FY2028 wraps up.

An crucial aspect of this plan includes bolstering Coast Guard Cyber Command capabilities amidst budget cuts proposed for related agencies like Homeland security’s Cybersecurity Infrastructure Agency—which faces a $490 million reduction next fiscal year along with unspecified job losses.

The Force Design 2028 initiative also proposes funding “Coastal Sentinel,” an AI-powered sensor network designed for threat detection; modern IT systems focused on vessel registration; mariner credentialing; human resources functions; plus establishing rapid-adoption teams dedicated solely towards integrating new technologies swiftly into operations.

Noem has confirmed that Adm. Kevin E. Lunday will be nominated as Senate confirmation’s next commandant—the 28th leader of the Coast Guard—and he’ll continue serving in his acting role until officially approved.

“This is our moment for transformative change,” Lunday remarked confidently.”Secretary Noem has emphasized that revitalizing our Coast Guard is essential or we risk falling behind strategically. I’m proud to lead our dedicated personnel during this pivotal journey towards renewing our service.”