In a recent government meeting, a former Coast Guard chief warrant officer delivered a powerful testimony highlighting the pervasive culture of sexual misconduct within the Coast Guard. The speaker, who has experienced both sexual assault and harassment throughout her 24-year career, emphasized that these issues are deeply rooted in the organization, affecting personnel from the most junior ranks to senior leadership.

The testimony revealed a troubling pattern of unreported assaults and a culture that condones such behavior, with the speaker recounting instances of harassment that went unchecked. She criticized the Coast Guard for failing to prioritize cultural change despite decades of awareness, stating that the organization has repeatedly promised reform but has not taken meaningful action.

The speaker described an environment where accountability is lacking, noting that those in positions of authority often protect one another, perpetuating a cycle of misconduct. She expressed heartbreak over the Coast Guard's inability to create a safe and supportive environment for all members, particularly women, who have faced systemic challenges since the integration of female personnel in the 1970s.

In her closing remarks, she called on Congress to take a firm stance against the culture of silence and complicity within the Coast Guard, urging that such behavior will no longer be tolerated. Her testimony serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by service members and the urgent need for institutional change to ensure a safe and equitable workplace.