In a recent exclusive interview, former US Coast Guard Commandant Karl Schultz revealed his decision to withhold the explosive findings of an investigation known as 'Operation Fouled Anchor' from Congress. The investigation documented years of sexual assaults at the agency's prestigious academy, spanning from the late 1980s to 2006.
Schultz expressed concerns that lawmakers wouldn't protect the privacy of the victims if the findings were shared with Congress. He emphasized that his decision was based on his belief that presenting the findings to lawmakers would have led to a political spectacle rather than a focus on the victims' wellbeing.
The internal report on the probe, finalized in 2020, highlighted the academy's leadership prioritizing the school's reputation over the victims' wellbeing. Schultz defended his actions by stating that he had already implemented sexual assault-related reforms within the agency.
However, House Oversight Committee member Raja Krishnamoorthi criticized Schultz's reasoning for withholding the report, calling it 'absurd' and suggesting that Schultz was protecting the perpetrators rather than the victims. Krishnamoorthi emphasized the importance of congressional oversight and transparency in such cases.
While Schultz believed he was acting in the victims' best interests, many assault survivors felt their lives were disrupted by the investigation only to be forgotten once it was quietly closed without public acknowledgment.
Congress members from both parties have condemned the Coast Guard's handling of the scandal, with Admiral Linda Fagan facing criticism for resisting greater transparency. The ongoing congressional investigations aim to shed light on why Congress was kept unaware of the 'Fouled Anchor' investigation for so long.
Admiral Paul Zukunft, Schultz's predecessor, had intended to brief Congress and issue a public apology to the victims identified in the investigation. However, Schultz's leadership saw a reluctance to be transparent, as revealed in notes from his second in command.
The House Oversight Committee's interviews with whistleblowers exposed the inadequate handling of assault incidents within the Coast Guard, with perpetrators often evading consequences and even being promoted. The committee's memo underscored the need for the Coast Guard to be held fully accountable for its actions.
Since the scandal emerged, Admiral Fagan has issued apologies and initiated reforms to improve how sexual assault cases are addressed across the agency.
