In a recent government meeting, officials discussed significant strides made by the Coast Guard in addressing sexual assault and harassment within the organization, while acknowledging that further progress is necessary. The leadership emphasized a commitment to enhancing victim support, accountability, and the investigation processes to ensure a safer environment for all personnel.

The discussion highlighted the establishment of a special prosecuting attorney's office aimed at aligning the Coast Guard's handling of sexual assault cases with other military services. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to eliminate inappropriate behavior and create a culture where victims feel safe coming forward. The leadership underscored the importance of addressing \"pockets of rust\" within the organization, indicating that while improvements have been made since the 1980s, there is still work to be done.

A key focus of the meeting was the need for comprehensive reviews of training systems and accountability measures, particularly within the Coast Guard Academy. Officials expressed a desire to ensure that the academy fosters an environment free from harassment and misconduct, with plans to involve the new superintendent in these efforts.

Concerns were also raised regarding a lack of transparency and communication with Congress about ongoing investigations, particularly the \"fouled anchor\" case. Leadership admitted to being unaware of the full extent of the situation until inquiries from the media prompted a review. They committed to improving oversight and ensuring that such lapses do not occur in the future.

The meeting concluded with calls for an independent investigation to provide transparency and accountability, reflecting a broader commitment to reform and vigilance in addressing these critical issues within the Coast Guard.