Admiral Kevin Lunday will be nominated to become the 28th commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced at the Coast Guard Academy’s 144th commencement ceremony on Wednesday.
Lunday has served as the acting commandant since January, following the dismissal of Adm. Linda Fagan by President Donald Trump’s administration. He will continue in that role until confirmed by the Senate.
Vice Adm. Thomas Allan Jr., currently acting deputy commandant for operations, will also be nominated as vice commandant and promoted to four-star admiral, according to Noem.
“These leaders have the full faith and trust of me, and they have the full faith and trust of the president of the United States,” Noem said. “I am certain that they will not let us down.”
Lunday, 60, had served the Coast Guard for 38 years. He previously served in the Indo-Pacific as commander of the Fourteenth Coast Guard District.
“Now is the time for fundamental change,” Lunday said following the announcement. “Secretary Noem has said that we must reinvigorate the Coast Guard or risk strategic failure. I am honored to lead our Coast Guard men and women in this historic effort to renew the service for the future.”
The leadership changes come alongside the launch of a wide-ranging reorganization effort known as Force Design 2028. Noem described the plan as a comprehensive roadmap to modernize the Coast Guard’s structure, technology, and workforce.
No timetable has been set for when the Senate might vote on Lunday’s confirmation.
