Swastika Found at Coast Guard Training Center in New Jersey

Coast Guard investigates incident and vows to address hate symbols swiftly.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The U.S. Coast Guard is investigating after a swastika was discovered drawn on a bathroom wall at the service's training center in Cape May, New Jersey. The Coast Guard immediately removed the hate symbol and launched an investigation, with the Commandant traveling to the base to address nearly 900 recruits and staff, declaring that anyone who promotes extremist ideology has no place in the Coast Guard.

Why it matters

The discovery of a swastika, a symbol of hate and oppression, at a Coast Guard training facility is deeply concerning, as the military service has a responsibility to maintain a professional and inclusive environment for all members. This incident raises questions about potential extremist ideologies within the ranks and the Coast Guard's efforts to root out such views.

The details

According to the Coast Guard, the "hate symbol was immediately removed" after being discovered on the bathroom wall. The Coast Guard Investigative Service was notified, and the Commandant, Admiral Kevin Lunday, traveled to the Training Center Cape May to address the incident with nearly 900 recruits and staff. In his remarks, Admiral Lunday made it clear that anyone adhering to or advancing hate or extremist ideology has no place in the Coast Guard and will be rejected.

  • The swastika was discovered on February 24, 2026.

The players

Admiral Kevin Lunday

Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, who traveled to the Training Center Cape May to address the incident and make it clear that hate and extremism will not be tolerated in the service.

U.S. Coast Guard

The military service that is investigating the discovery of the swastika at its Training Center Cape May, the fifth-largest Coast Guard base and the only accession point for the branch's enlisted workforce.

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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. We will not allow anyone to put a stain of hate on our United States Coast Guard. We will not be defined by the cowardly acts, but instead be defined by our unwavering response and our resolve to defeat them.”

— Admiral Kevin Lunday, Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard (CBS News)

What’s next

The Coast Guard Investigative Service is continuing its investigation into the incident to determine the individual responsible and any potential extremist ties.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the Coast Guard's commitment to maintaining a professional and inclusive environment, as well as the ongoing challenge of rooting out extremist ideologies within the military. The Coast Guard's swift response and the Commandant's strong condemnation of hate symbols send a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated.