Swastika Found at Cape May Coast Guard Training Center

Federal investigation underway after discovery of hate symbol, prompting strong response from Coast Guard leadership.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A swastika was discovered last week on a restroom wall at the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May, New Jersey, triggering a federal investigation and a stern rebuke from the Coast Guard Commandant. Admiral Kevin Lunday called an 'all hands' meeting with recruits and staff, making it clear that hate symbols and extremist ideologies have no place in the Coast Guard and that anyone who promotes such views is not welcome.

Why it matters

The discovery of a swastika, a symbol associated with Nazism and white supremacy, at a military training facility raises serious concerns about the potential presence of hateful and extremist views within the ranks. The Coast Guard's swift and unequivocal response underscores its commitment to rooting out such ideologies and maintaining an inclusive, welcoming environment for all service members.

The details

An instructor at the Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May discovered the swastika on a restroom wall last week. The incident was immediately referred to the Coast Guard Investigative Service for investigation, and the hate symbol was promptly removed. The Coast Guard has stated that the display of hate symbols or imagery associated with 'intimidation, hatred, or oppression' is 'incompatible' with the service's core values and will not be tolerated.

  • The swastika was discovered last week at the Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May, New Jersey.

The players

Admiral Kevin Lunday

The Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, who called an 'all hands' meeting with recruits and staff to address the incident and make it clear that hate symbols and extremist ideologies are unacceptable in the Coast Guard.

U.S. Coast Guard

The military branch that oversees the Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May, where the swastika was discovered, and has condemned the display of hate symbols as incompatible with its core values.

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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.”

— Admiral Kevin Lunday, Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard (The Washington Post)

“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 (The Washington Post)

What’s next

The Coast Guard Investigative Service is conducting a federal investigation into the discovery of the swastika at the training center. The Coast Guard has stated that it will not tolerate the display of hate symbols or the promotion of extremist ideologies within the service.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the Coast Guard's firm stance against hate and its commitment to maintaining an inclusive, welcoming environment for all service members. The swift and unequivocal response from the Coast Guard Commandant sends a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated, underscoring the service's values of diversity, equality, and respect.