To the White House, Committee on Armed Services, and the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services:

The recent investigations and testimonies have exposed not just issues at the Coast Guard Academy and in the Operation Fouled Anchor Report, but a pervasive culture of misconduct, cover-ups, and inadequate responses to sexual harassment and assault allegations within the Coast Guard.

Despite brave individuals coming forward with their experiences, it has become evident that systemic failures and a culture of silence have allowed perpetrators to avoid accountability, while victims face retaliation and further trauma.

Specifically, I draw your attention to the must recent examples:

• Egregious Miscarriage of Justice: The case involving OS1 Christopher Hereford, OS2 Arik Rangel, and OSCS Nicole Clark highlights a disturbing trend of protecting sexual predators while punishing victims. Despite substantial evidence and testimonies, the handling of this case by District 8 and Captain Ulysses Mullins demonstrates a blatant disregard for justice and victim support. Additionally, the U.S. Coast Guard removed the email detailing these issues from their servers, breaking National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) laws.
• Illegal Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs): Senator Ted Cruz’s investigation uncovered the use of NDAs by the Coast Guard to silence victims of sexual assault. This practice is not only unethical but also illegal, as it prevents victims from disclosing critical information to Congress and other authorities.
• Lack of Transparency and Accountability: The refusal to release unredacted documents related to Operation Fouled Anchor and the stripping of vital information from correspondence between senior service officials underscore a concerted effort to conceal the extent of sexual assaults at the Coast Guard Academy.
• Additionally, the Coast Guard has been reported to shadow ban victims on social media and delete social media messages, further silencing their voices and preventing them from seeking help and support, again breaking National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) laws.
• Retaliation and Re-victimization: Testimonies from service members reveal a consistent pattern of retaliation against those who report sexual harassment and assault. The trauma of reporting these crimes has, in many cases, become as severe as the initial abuse, with victims facing ostracization and career repercussions. Reports have also highlighted the failure to prosecute and hold accountable those responsible for covering up these crimes, as seen in the case of a former Coast Guard Academy cadet whose allegations of rape were ignored, leading to a dismissal of the case due to the statute of limitations.
• All-Hands Hush Orders and New Social Media Monitoring Department: Reports of all-hands meetings instructing personnel to remain silent on these issues and the establishment of a social media monitoring department aimed at silencing victims and whistleblowers indicate an ongoing effort to suppress the truth.
• Whistleblower Revelations: Former Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, Shannon Norenberg, resigned and became a whistleblower after realizing she was used to mislead victims of sexual assault as part of a cover-up operation known as "Operation Fouled Anchor." Norenberg revealed that she was instructed to lie to victims about the status of their cases and the Coast Guard's communication with Congress. This cover-up aimed to prevent a significant spike in reported cases from being visible to lawmakers, thereby maintaining the Coast Guard's public image at the expense of justice for the victims.

Given the egregious and continuing inaction of Coast Guard leadership, we respectfully request the White House order and the Committee on Armed Services, and the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services support the following actions:

• Conduct Comprehensive Hearings: Advocate for and participate in comprehensive hearings within the House Armed Services Committee to investigate the handling of sexual harassment and assault cases in the Coast Guard. These hearings should aim to hold accountable those who have failed to protect victims and to implement meaningful reforms. Accountability must extend to all levels, including commandants, vice commandants, Master Chiefs of the Coast Guard, through to Unit Officer and Enlisted Leadership, including those who have retired. These hearings should include a review of the past 20 years of good order and discipline reports, SARC reports, and other unit and member administrative documents to fully expose the magnitude of the coverups.
• Support Legislative Reforms: Champion legislative measures that mandate stricter accountability for perpetrators and those who cover up such crimes. Specifically, ensure that sexual assault cases are referred to non-military local law enforcement, require minimum sentences to align with the greater of federal sentencing, and mandate that all perpetrators be added to the sex offenders list. Disallow the use of non-judicial punishment (NJP) and restriction to barracks as the only punishments as seen on most of the Good Order and Discipline Reports.
• Ensure Protection for Whistleblowers and Victims: Advocate for stronger protections for whistleblowers within the military, ensuring that those who come forward with allegations of misconduct are shielded from retaliation and re-victimization. This includes protecting victims, including those on social media currently pleading for help, and keeping reservists on orders and with benefits during the investigation and afterward for care.
• Promote a Culture of Accountability and Respect: Support initiatives that foster a culture of accountability, respect, and zero tolerance for sexual harassment and assault within the Coast Guard and all branches of the military. Ensure the $1.5 million allocated in the FY24 Homeland Security Appropriations bill for an independent and impartial review of the Coast Guard’s efforts to respond to and reduce sexual assaults is used effectively. This requires:
  • An independent external committee to manage the review and use of funds.
  • A deliverable of this effort to be a tangible action plan for responding to and reducing sexual assaults.
  • Monthly public release ALCOAST  updates to ensure transparency and accountability.

The brave men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard, like all branches, deserve a safe and supportive environment where they can serve their country without fear of harassment, assault, or retaliation.

Your leadership and advocacy are essential in driving the necessary changes to protect our service members and restore trust in our military institutions.