In a recent government meeting, a subcommittee convened to hear testimonies from several members of the United States Coast Guard regarding their experiences with sexual harassment and assault within the military. The session featured a panel of witnesses, each sharing personal accounts that highlighted systemic issues within the Coast Guard.

Chief Warrant Officer Shawna Christine Ward, who served for 24 years before retiring in 2018, recounted her experiences of sexual harassment and assault during her service. Yeoman Petty Officer First Class Crystal Vanden Bugle, a recruiter since 2022, detailed her experience of retaliation after reporting harassment by a fellow recruiter.

Lieutenant Commander Tina Owen, who served from 1994 to 2017, described her own encounters with sexual assault and harassment, emphasizing the lack of support she received from the institution. Former Coast Guard Seaman Megan Lori Clement shared her story of being sexually assaulted by a supervisor and the mishandling of her report by the Coast Guard. Chief Warrant Officer Four Julian Bell, who has been with the Coast Guard since 2003, also spoke about his experiences with sexual assault.

The testimonies shed light on the pervasive culture of harassment within the Coast Guard and raised critical questions about the effectiveness of the military's response to such incidents. The meeting concluded with the witnesses taking an oath to provide truthful accounts, underscoring the seriousness of the discussions at hand.