Coast Guard Investigates Swastika Found at Training Center

Commandant denounces hate symbol, says perpetrator "doesn't belong" in the service

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The U.S. Coast Guard has launched an internal investigation after a hand-drawn swastika was discovered in a men's restroom at its main recruit training base in Cape May, New Jersey. Adm. Kevin Lunday, the Coast Guard Commandant, flew to the training center and addressed roughly 900 recruits and staff members, denouncing the use of the Nazi symbol as unacceptable and declaring that anyone who adheres to or advances hate or extremist ideology "doesn't belong" in the Coast Guard.

Why it matters

The discovery of the swastika, a symbol widely associated with white supremacy and the Holocaust, at a Coast Guard training facility raises concerns about the presence of extremist ideologies within the service. The Coast Guard has faced scrutiny in the past over its policies regarding hate symbols, and this incident underscores the need for the organization to maintain a zero-tolerance stance against such symbols and the ideologies they represent.

The details

The swastika was discovered on Thursday by an instructor at the Coast Guard's main recruit training base in Cape May, New Jersey. Adm. Kevin Lunday, the Coast Guard Commandant, was notified on Saturday and immediately flew to the training center to address the roughly 900 recruits and staff members. Lunday condemned the use of the swastika, stating that it is unacceptable in the Coast Guard and that anyone who adheres to or advances hate or extremist ideology "doesn't belong" in the service. The drawing was removed, and the Coast Guard Investigative Service has been ordered to investigate the incident.

  • The swastika was discovered on Thursday, February 23, 2026.
  • Adm. Kevin Lunday was notified of the incident on Saturday, February 25, 2026.

The players

Adm. Kevin Lunday

The Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, who flew to the training center to address the incident and denounce the use of the swastika.

U.S. Coast Guard

The U.S. military service responsible for maritime safety, security, and stewardship, which is investigating the discovery of the swastika at its main recruit training base 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 ordered to investigate the incident and determine the perpetrator's identity.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the Coast Guard's ongoing efforts to maintain a zero-tolerance policy against hate symbols and extremist ideologies within the service, underscoring the importance of fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of the Coast Guard.