Democratic Women’s Caucus Receives Requested Briefing on U.S. Coast Guard Sexual Assault Cover-Up, Continues Calls for Action

Washington, D.C. – Today, Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC) Chair Lois Frankel and DWC member Hillary Scholten, Vice-Ranking Member on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Subcommittee, released the following statement after a requested briefing from USCG on the cover-up of “Operation Fouled Anchor,” the Coast Guard report exposing decades of sexual misconduct at the Coast Guard Academy. 

“It was heartening to hear that the Coast Guard is taking numerous steps to rectify a serious problem, but there is clearly far more that needs to be done; and more questions that need answers. We must ensure this abuse never happens again. The fact that it was covered up by Coast Guard officials is equally alarming and degrades the service of the men and women who act honorably.  We look forward to Congress being a partner in creating an environment of safety and respect for all those who serve.” 

Reporting from CNN has detailed how Operation Fouled Anchor found more than 60 substantiated reports of rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment at the Coast Guard Academy between the early 1990s and 2006. Operation Fouled Anchor also identified individuals against whom there were substantiated reports of sexual assault, but the Coast Guard seemingly failed to appropriately investigate the reports. Though Operation Fouled Anchor concluded in 2020, the Coast Guard did not disclose it to Congress nor the public. Subsequent reporting has revealed that many members of Coast Guard leadership were aware of Operation Fouled Anchor but kept it from Congress. It appears that none of these higher-ups have been held accountable.

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