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Cape May Today
By the People, for the People
Coast Guard Investigates Swastika Found at New Jersey Recruit Center
The symbol was quickly removed, but the incident has prompted an internal probe and strong condemnation from the Coast Guard's top commander.
Published on Feb. 24, 2026
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The U.S. Coast Guard has launched an internal investigation after a swastika, a symbol widely associated with the Nazi party and the Holocaust, was discovered on a bathroom wall at a primary recruit training center in Cape May, New Jersey. The Coast Guard has condemned the incident and said such behavior is 'incompatible' with the service's core values.
Why it matters
The discovery of a swastika, a symbol of hate and oppression, at a Coast Guard training facility is deeply troubling and raises concerns about the presence of extremist ideologies within the military. The Coast Guard has emphasized its commitment to maintaining a professional and respectful workplace, and this incident will likely prompt further scrutiny of the service's efforts to address discrimination and intolerance.
The details
According to reports, the swastika was found by a Coast Guard instructor in the bathroom of the training center in Cape May. The symbol was quickly removed, but the Coast Guard has referred the matter to its Investigative Service for a full probe. In response, the Coast Guard's top commander, Adm. Kevin Lunday, traveled to the training center to address nearly 900 recruits and staff, reaffirming the service's rejection of hate and extremism.
- The swastika was discovered on February 22, 2026.
The players
U.S. Coast Guard
The U.S. Coast Guard is one of the five armed services of the United States and is a branch of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. It is responsible for maritime safety, security, and environmental protection.
Adm. Kevin Lunday
The commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, who traveled to the training center in Cape May to address recruits and staff following the discovery of the swastika.
What they’re saying
“The Coast Guard has always unequivocally condemned and punished the display of hate symbols or imagery associated with intimidation, hatred, or oppression. Such conduct is incompatible with our core values and has absolutely no place within our Service.”
— Coast Guard spokesperson (The Hill)
“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 of the U.S. Coast Guard (The Hill)
What’s next
The Coast Guard Investigative Service will continue its probe into the incident, and the Coast Guard has vowed to address any behavior that undermines its standards of professionalism and respect.
The takeaway
This incident highlights the Coast Guard's ongoing efforts to maintain a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all its members. The swift condemnation and investigation into the discovery of the swastika demonstrate the service's commitment to rooting out extremism and hate, which have no place in the U.S. military.
