ALCOAST 305/25 - JUL 2025 FORCE DESIGN 2028 - RENAMING COAST GUARD DISTRICTS

R 031400Z JUL 25   MID120002054640U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 305/25
SUBJ: FORCE DESIGN 2028 - RENAMING COAST GUARD DISTRICTS
A. Force Design 2028 Executive Report
1. At the direction of Secretary Noem and aligned with the
transformational change described in REF (A), the Coast Guard
will rename all operational districts to more familiar,
geographic names. Today, we are announcing our intention to
immediately begin using the new names internally and
externally, alongside the legacy district numbers. Updates to
the Code of Federal Regulations to formally change the names
will follow.
2. While operating as part of the Navy during World War II,
the Coast Guard adopted the legacy Navy numbered district
system to ensure alignment between the services. In the 80
years since the Coast Guard separated from the Navy, the
Service has maintained the numbered districts. However, the
Navy stopped using numbered districts over 25 years ago and
the Coast Guard's current system is confusing for the public
we serve. It is critical that the American public and
maritime stakeholders can easily find and understand which
Coast Guard district they live, boat, and operate in.
Geographic names will simplify the ability to identify
districts with their areas of responsibility.
3. Districts will be renamed as follows:
District 1 will become USCG Northeast District
District 5 will become USCG East District
District 7 will become USCG Southeast District
District 8 will become USCG Heartland District
District 9 will become USCG Great Lakes District
District 11 will become USGC Southwest District
District 13 will become USCG Northwest District
District 14 will become USCG Oceania District
District 17 will become USCG Arctic District
4. This change will not impact operations or change existing
geographical district boundaries.
5. The Coast Guard will change district names in the Code of
Federal Regulations in coming months and additional
information will be provided to enable communication of these
changes with critical stakeholders and the public.
6. As the Coast Guard continues its transformation to a more
agile, responsive, and capable fighting force, renaming
districts will ensure the most familiar, localized support to
the communities we serve.
7. Semper Paratus.
8. ADM Kevin Lunday, Acting Commandant (CCG), sends.
9. Internet release is authorized.