The United States Coast Guard held a formal swearing-in and assumption of command ceremony for Admiral 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 Admiral 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 United States Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi 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, Admiral 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 oversee the Coast Guard’s global operations, including maritime law enforcement, border security, search and rescue, defense readiness, and cybersecurity missions. He will lead the Service’s continued transformation – Force Design 2028 – while strengthening operational readiness and supporting the Coast Guard workforce and their families.
The Coast Guard is better positioned today than at any point in history to control, secure, and defend the U.S. southern border and maritime approaches; facilitate the uninterrupted flow of commerce; and rapidly respond to national and global contingencies.
Over the course of 2025, during which Adm. Lunday served as Acting Commandant, the Coast Guard smashed historic records and underwent an unprecedented transformation. In Fiscal Year 2025, the Coast Guard surpassed its recruiting goals with 121% of its target for the fiscal year, totaling 5,204 new members – the highest since 1991. Since January 2025, Coast Guard seizures of illegal narcotics are up 200%. Interdictions, deterrence events, and transportation of illegal aliens are up 120%. And the Coast Guard saved 4,946 lives.
These historic accomplishments are further illustrated in the Force Design 2028 Initial Update, which the Coast Guard released.
The Coast Guard said it remains Always Ready, delivering mission excellence across the maritime domain in service to the American people.
