Senator Cantwell Questions Coast Guard Nominee on Rescue Stations and Sexual Assault

Coast Guard Search and Rescue Stations

• 📌 Senator Cantwell questioned Admiral Lunday, nominee for Coast Guard Commandant, regarding the closure of 23 search and rescue stations.
• 🎣 Cantwell highlighted the importance of these stations to the seafood industry, which supports 67,000 jobs, and fishermen's safety.
• ⚠️ Admiral Lunday stated there is no current plan to reopen the stations but that an assessment is underway as part of "Force Design 2028" to evaluate operating posture.
• 🚢 Lunday assured that even with station changes (seasonal to forward operating locations, or scheduled mission only), the Coast Guard remains committed to timely responses to mariners in distress.

Critical Infrastructure and Training

• 🌉 The discussion touched upon the I-5 bridge's age and the need for a preliminary navigation clearance determination by January 16th, to which Lunday committed.
• ⚓️ The importance of Cape Disappointment and its motor lifeboat school was emphasized, with a commitment to solutions for new docks and a cutting-edge facility.
• 🌊 The Coast Guard will expend $110 million from the "one big beautiful bill act" for dredging issues in Elwako to ensure critical infrastructure protection.

Combating Sexual Assault and Misconduct

• ⚖️ Senator Cantwell inquired about Admiral Lunday's support for legislation to improve Coast Guard oversight, accountability, and victim care regarding sexual assault and misconduct.
• ✅ Lunday committed to working to combat and eliminate sexual assault if confirmed, emphasizing victim care, justice, investigation, and prosecution.
• 🧑‍⚖️ Regarding the role of a chief prosecutor, Lunday explained that a flag officer already holds this jurisdiction, aligning with military justice reforms.
• 🎯 He noted that 24 out of 33 recommendations from the previous Commandant have been completed, with ongoing efforts to address the remaining ones.

Other Key Issues

• 🚨 Concerns about the potential cancellation of tsunami warning systems were raised, with Lunday acknowledging their reliance on these systems in the Pacific Rim.
• 💊 Admiral Lunday confirmed support for inter-agency cooperation to combat fentanyl trafficking, directing a focused effort that increased multi-agency strike force operations by over 41%.