Admiral Kevin Lundy faces senators’ questions on search-and-rescue closures, icebreakers and Coast Guard oversight

Admiral Kevin Lundy, nominated to serve as Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, told the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee that he supports a sweeping modernization plan and the recent large capital infusion for the service, but senators pressed him on readiness gaps, station closures, acquisition timelines and accountability following misconduct allegations at the Coast Guard Academy.

Why it matters: The Coast Guard is charged with maritime security, search-and-rescue, fisheries enforcement and polar operations. Senators used Lundy’s nomination hearing to probe whether the service has the personnel, facilities and oversight needed to implement a multiyear recapitalization effort and expand icebreaking and other capabilities in the Arctic and Great Lakes.

Key exchanges and commitments

Ranking Member Maria Cantwell told Lundy the Coast Guard identified 23 search-and-rescue stations with "0 permanent staffing or assets" and said there is no current plan to reopen them; she described reports of phased closures and raised concerns about potential privatization of search-and-rescue roles. Cantwell also pressed Lundy on morale and on ongoing investigations into misconduct at the…