Kristi Noem, secretary of Homeland Security and a 2025 Wash100 Award winner, has revealed President Donald Trump’s pick as the 28th commandant of the Coast Guard. At a recent Coast Guard Academy Commencement ceremony, the official shared that Trump will nominate Adm. Kevin Lunday, who currently serves as acting commandant of the Coast Guard.
Who Is Kevin Lunday?
Lunday has served in the Coast Guard for nearly 40 years. He has extensive experience in maritime law enforcement and maritime operations on U.S. waters and overseas in the Arctic, the Indo-Pacific and Atlantic regions.
He assumed the responsibilities of acting commandant in January 2025, following former Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Linda Fagan’s departure.
Lunday also previously served as commander of the Atlantic Area, Fourteenth Coast Guard District and the Coast Guard Cyber Command.
Leading Force Design 2028
If confirmed by the Senate, Lunday will oversee the implementation of Force Design 2028, which will strengthen the readiness of the Coast Guard. Unveiled in April, Force Design 2028 identifies four campaigns: people; organization; acquisition and contracting; and technology.
According to Noem, Force Design 2028 is a “bold blueprint” to drive urgent action.
“Now, more than ever, the American people need a strong and capable Coast Guard,” the secretary said. “The Coast Guard must not simply evolve. It must revolutionize how it functions and operates to ensure decisive advantage over adversaries. This requires a fundamental change.”
In a statement, Adm. Lunday added that Force Design 2028 is the way forward.
“I am honored to lead our Coast Guard men and women in this historic effort to renew the Service for the future,” he said.
