Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem have joined forces to advocate for the establishment of a Coast Guard secretary, as part of broader efforts to reform and modernize the maritime service. This initiative reflects a significant shift in the organization’s structure, as the Coast Guard is currently the only military branch under the Department of Homeland Security, lacking a designated secretary. Hegseth and Noem believe that creating this position will strengthen the Coast Guard’s integration with the Department of War and enhance its ability to support national security operations.
Both officials emphasize the role of the Coast Guard in addressing the Trump administration’s crackdown on drug smuggling, particularly under Operation Pacific Viper. This operation is a key component of the administration’s broader strategy to combat illegal drug trafficking, with the Coast Guard working alongside the U.S. Navy. The support for a Coast Guard secretary is also gaining momentum on Capitol Hill, with Rep. Mike Ezell introducing a provision in the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 to create the position. Ezell highlights that having a dedicated secretary will streamline bureaucratic processes and improve the service’s efficiency.
The Coast Guard is also undergoing significant changes through its Force Design 2028 plan, which includes organizational, personnel, and technological updates. This plan aims to align the service with Department of Defense standards, including enhanced fitness and grooming requirements. The Coast Guard has announced plans for a mandatory service-wide fitness test in 2026, following a shift in policy to enforce fitness standards across all personnel. These reforms are part of the administration’s broader strategy to address illegal immigration and drug smuggling, with officials noting that the transformation of the service is expected to be complete by 2028.