Commander's Intent

From: ADM Kevin Lunday                                                                                                                                                                    Sent: Thursday, January 23, 2025 11:46 AM                                                                                                                                    Subject: Commander's Intent

Coast Guard Men and Women:

The Coast Guard provides enduring value in service to the American people.  We are part of the Department of Homeland Security team protecting our nation and are at all times a military service and part of the joint force defending it.  We are in greater demand now than ever before, and that is a credit to your commitment to serve and deliver mission results.

We are in a period of dynamic change within the Coast Guard.  We are implementing new national priorities and orders from the President and other senior civilian leadership through executing our missions in service to the American people. 

This provides my initial direction and intent for the Service going forward.

Like every Coast Guard cutter, we must do three things: Float, Fight, and Navigate. 

Float

First, we must float: build and sustain a well-led, trained, ready, and resilient force that operates as a cohesive crew.  We trust and respect our teammates.  We depend on each other.  We live our Core Values of Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty.  Service readiness starts with the readiness of every Coast Guard man and woman, and their families.  Upon that cornerstone we build readiness of the crew, unit, and force.  And we maintain the strong support, respect, and trust of the American people we serve—a sacred trust we must work every day to keep.

Fight

Second, we must fight: conduct disciplined operations with excellence to deliver mission results in all we do.  We save lives, control the U.S. maritime border and approaches, assure the operation and defense of U.S. maritime critical infrastructure in physical and cyberspace, and safeguard navigation and marine resources in U.S. waters and on the high seas.  We fight in our nation’s wars.  And much more.  We conduct our missions in a dangerous and unforgiving maritime environment often against those who would do us harm.  We will do it right—through disciplined operations with warranted risk.  We will lead our crews to get the mission done and safely return.

Navigate

Third, we must navigate: set the course to a future destination and navigate with others through uncertain weather and challenges to prevail.  We must be agile to adapt to changing mission demands, where and how the Nation needs.  That is what we are undertaking now.  As we conduct continuous regular operations, we must always be ready to respond to a major crisis or contingency that may come with little or no warning.  We will not be surprised.  We will prevail. 

In response to new Presidential Executive Orders and DHS priorities, on Tuesday I directed the Area Commanders and Deputy Commandant for Operations to take immediate action to increase Coast Guard operational presence in key areas of the U.S. maritime border and approaches.  These steps and future actions will require adjustments to other operations as we balance readiness to sustain mission execution.

Going forward we will communicate additional direction. 

We are undaunted by the uncertainty that may come with change because we are filled with certain hope for the future, confident that together we will navigate the Coast Guard forward.  For over 234 years, the American people have depended on our missions and the unique value the Coast Guard provides to assure our economic prosperity and national security.  If there is one thing our distinguished Service history in both peace and in war shows: with a ready Coast Guard crew there is nothing we cannot accomplish.

We are incredibly proud to serve as your Acting Commandant and the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard.

Thank you for your service to the Coast Guard and the nation. 

Semper Paratus.

 

Admiral Kevin E. Lunday            Master Chief Heath B. Jones

Acting Commandant                   Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard