Former Coast Guard cadets

Thirteen former cadets from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy have filed complaints alleging sexual assaults on campus, marking the first collective action against a U.S. service academy for such claims. The complaints, filed under the Federal Tort Claims Act, name the Coast Guard and its overseeing agencies, seeking $10 million each in damages. The allegations span several decades, revealing a culture of silence and cover-ups that has persisted despite a 2023 investigation known as Operation Fouled Anchor, which uncovered mishandled sexual misconduct cases. Survivors have reported feeling deterred from reporting incidents due to a hostile environment and lack of support. Coast Guard representatives confirmed receipt of the complaints but have not provided further details. This legal action coincides with ongoing investigations into the academy's handling of sexual assault cases.