Swastika Found at Coast Guard Recruit Training Center

Coast Guard Commandant condemns incident, vows to investigate

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The U.S. Coast Guard has opened an internal investigation after a hand-drawn swastika was discovered on a bathroom wall at its primary recruit training center in Cape May, New Jersey. Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Kevin Lunday immediately flew to the training center and addressed about 900 recruits and staff, declaring that anyone who adheres to or advances hate or extremist ideology has no place in the Coast Guard.

Why it matters

The discovery of the swastika, a symbol of Nazi Germany and white supremacy, at a Coast Guard training facility raises concerns about the presence of extremist ideologies within the military. The Coast Guard has faced scrutiny in the past for its handling of hate symbols in the workplace, underscoring the need for a strong response to root out such behavior.

The details

The swastika was discovered on Thursday evening by a Coast Guard instructor on a men's bathroom wall at the Cape May training center. Adm. Lunday was informed on Saturday and immediately traveled to the facility to address the incident. The drawing was removed and the Coast Guard Investigative Service was directed to investigate the matter.

  • The swastika was discovered on Thursday, February 20, 2026.
  • Adm. Lunday was informed of the incident on Saturday, February 22, 2026.

The players

Adm. Kevin Lunday

The Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard who condemned the incident and vowed to investigate.

U.S. Coast Guard

The military service branch that is investigating the discovery of the swastika at its primary recruit training center in Cape May, New Jersey.

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What they’re saying

“Anyone who adheres to or advances hate or extremist ideology — get out. Leave. You don't belong in the United States Coast Guard and we reject you.”

— Adm. Kevin Lunday, Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard (The Washington Post)

What’s next

The Coast Guard Investigative Service has been directed to look into the matter and determine the individual responsible for the swastika drawing.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenge of rooting out extremist ideologies within the military, and the Coast Guard's commitment to swiftly addressing any displays of hate or discrimination within its ranks.