Coast Guard Leader Grilled by Senators on Sex Assault Coverup Hearing

By Trend News Line 2024-06-12 03:42:18.

**Senators Criticize US Coast Guard Head for “Culture of Concealment”**

During a heated hearing on Tuesday, Senators lashed out at the head of the US Coast Guard, accusing her of fostering a “culture of concealment” and failing to address serious misconduct within the service. Commandant Adm. Linda Fagan faced tough questions from lawmakers, who alleged that she had withheld critical information from congressional investigators and failed to hold leaders and perpetrators accountable for their actions.

**Deep Moral Rot Within the Coast Guard**

Sen. Richard Blumenthal, chair of the Homeland Security Committee’s Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, condemned the Coast Guard for prioritizing cronyism over accountability and silence over survivors. He highlighted the persistent issue of sexual assault within the service, citing the testimony of nearly 40 whistleblowers who have come forward in recent months. Blumenthal emphasized that the problem is not a thing of the past, but a real and present issue that needs to be addressed urgently.

**Operation Fouled Anchor Revelation**

The hearing was triggered by CNN’s reporting on Operation Fouled Anchor, a secret investigation that uncovered dozens of mishandled sexual assault cases at the Coast Guard Academy. The probe, which was quietly closed and hidden from Congress and the public, substantiated serious allegations of misconduct that had been swept under the rug. The revelations from the investigation have raised concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability within the Coast Guard.

**Facing Pressure and Scrutiny**

Commandant Fagan found herself under immense pressure as new controversies and increased congressional scrutiny brought to light the ongoing problem of sexual assault within the agency. The resignation of the academy’s head of sexual assault prevention, Shannon Norenberg, and her allegations of being directed to lie to victims and Congress have further fueled the debate on the Coast Guard’s handling of misconduct cases. Lawmakers criticized Fagan for using the ongoing Inspector General investigation as a shield to avoid addressing specific allegations.

**Calls for Transparency and Accountability**

Throughout the hearing, senators called for transparency, cooperation, and accountability from the Coast Guard. They expressed frustration over the agency’s refusal to provide key records and information related to the investigation. Lawmakers emphasized the need for truth-telling and following the evidence wherever it may lead, even if it means exposing past and present members of the Coast Guard for their misconduct.

**Bipartisan Criticism and House Oversight Committee Letter**

A bipartisan group of lawmakers from the House Oversight committee joined the chorus of criticism, sending a letter to Commandant Fagan expressing concerns over the agency’s lack of responsiveness to requests for records. They highlighted allegations of cultural deficiencies, incompetence, and misconduct by current and former leaders, as well as the withholding of evidence relevant to criminal investigations. The lawmakers called for a thorough investigation into these allegations to ensure accountability within the Coast Guard.

**Moving Forward**

As the Coast Guard faces mounting scrutiny and calls for reform, the need for transparency, accountability, and cultural change has never been more pressing. Lawmakers and advocates are pushing for a thorough investigation into the agency’s handling of misconduct cases, particularly those related to sexual assault. The future of the Coast Guard hinges on its ability to address these issues head-on and rebuild trust with survivors, lawmakers, and the public..

– Coast Guard leader grilled by Senators at hearing on sex assault coverup
– Coast Guard leader questioned by Senators at hearing on sex assault coverup.