Investigative reporting by CNN journalists has uncovered a cover-up at the Coast Guard Academy, involving decades of sexual assault incidents that were kept secret. The scandal continues to unravel, with the recent resignation of the academy’s official in charge of sexual assault prevention, Shannon Norenberg, who called out the Coast Guard for making her complicit in the cover-up. Adm. Linda Fagan, the Coast Guard’s first female commandant, is set to testify on Capitol Hill about the scandal, facing tough questions about the lack of accountability for those involved in covering up misconduct.
The investigative reporting on the Coast Guard story began with a young woman named Hope Hicks, who shared her story of being raped while working in the commercial shipping industry. This led to a focus on the Coast Guard’s role in overseeing sexual assault cases within the maritime industry, ultimately leading to the uncovering of the Fouled Anchor scandal. The reporters spent months building trust with sources, obtaining key records, and conducting sensitive interviews to piece together the story.
Operation Fouled Anchor, an internal probe into cover-ups at the Coast Guard Academy, revealed years of sexual assault incidents that were ignored or covered up, allowing offenders to rise through the ranks within the military. Despite plans to disclose the findings to Congress, Coast Guard leaders chose to bury the investigation, sparking criticism and calls for accountability within the organization. The current leader of the Coast Guard has issued apologies but has stopped short of calling it a cover-up.
While Operation Fouled Anchor investigated assaults dating back to the late 1980s, few perpetrators were held accountable, with many cases reaching a dead end due to jurisdictional issues and expired criminal statutes. The Coast Guard is currently investigating new allegations of sexual harassment and assault within its ranks, indicating ongoing issues with accountability and prevention of misconduct. The lack of action on past cases has raised concerns about the effectiveness of current policies and procedures within the Coast Guard.
As the Coast Guard faces scrutiny in Congress and internal criticism, the lack of accountability for past cover-ups and ongoing issues with sexual assault prevention have cast a shadow over the organization. Shannon Norenberg’s resignation in protest highlights the frustrations within the Coast Guard community regarding the lack of meaningful change and accountability. The culture of cover-up and lack of accountability within the Coast Guard Academy and the Coast Guard at large reflect broader issues with addressing military sexual assault and supporting survivors.
The investigative reporters behind the Coast Guard story have emphasized the importance of tips and information from the public in uncovering such scandals. Many of the leads and insights that informed their reporting came from tips shared through their email address, demonstrating the impact of public engagement in investigative journalism. By welcoming tips and feedback from readers, the reporters have been able to shed light on hidden stories and hold powerful institutions accountable for their actions.
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