Officials investigated allegations of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy keeping a tight lip seal on sexual assault reports. What they found was disturbing, to say the least. The probe, dubbed “Operation Fouled Anchor,” uncovered that sexual assault cases were kept confidential by Coast Guard Academy high-ranking officials for many years. In fact, they had swept many cases under the rug for decades.
Earlier this month, Coast Guard officials briefed members of Congress about the rapes, assaults, and other serious misconduct cover-ups. However, it didn’t happen until after CNN inquired about the internal documents from the probe.
Sweeping Findings Under the Rug
In fact, Coast Guard investigators uncovered credible evidence of assaults that dated back to the late 1980s. Additionally, those accused perpetrators were not criminally investigated. In contrast, the incidents were handled as administrative punishments and violations, with some receiving no form of reprimand at all.
Moreover, the punishments handed down were minor. For example, they have given the accused perpetrator extra homework or lowered class standings. Furthermore, some of the accused who were kicked out of the Coast Guard Academy could still serve in the U.S. military.
“This investigation made clear that the [Coast Guard Academy’s] leadership was more concerned at that time about organizational and [its] reputation than about the victims of crimes who were members of our service,” a draft of the Fouled Anchor final report from 2019 said.
Becoming a Survivor
The survivors of the sexual assaults went on record by saying what the Coast Guard Academy put them through did — and has continued to — affect their personal lives, mental health, and careers. Specifically, how they battled with depression and anxiety, the numerous emergency visits, and suicide attempts. Many of the survivors had long lists of medications to help them cope with the lingering trauma.
Sadly, most of the accused perpetrators were able to live their best lives. Most of whom were able to retire honorably. “I upheld the Coast Guard Corps Values and an individual that assaulted me and other women retired honorably with higher benefits than I did…We are a service that saves people for a living. I’d like to think our own service members are people worth saving,” Coast Guard veteran, Kerry Karwan, wrote in a letter in 2018. She sent the letter to Coast Guard leaders and the now-former President Donald Trump.
Unfortunately, almost 40 of the Coast Guard Academy cases have passed local and federal statutes.
A Little Too Late
On June 30, the U.S. Coast Guard publically apologized for not taking “appropriate action” years ago. In addition, they admitted the service failed to disclose its six-year internal investigation into dozens of cases ranging between 1988 to 2006.
By Sheena Robertson
Sources:
CNN: Criminal investigation into Coast Guard Academy revealed years of sexual assault cover-ups, but findings were kept secret
AP News: Coast Guard apologizes for mishandling of sexual assaults at academy following revelation of probe
Featured Image by Petty Officer 3rd Class Richard Brahm Courtesy of US Coast Guard Academy’s Flickr Page – Public Domain License
Inset Image Courtesy of US Coast Guard Academy’s Flickr Page – Public Domain License
