When I assumed duties as Commandant, I told you that Respecting
Our Shipmates is
one of my four guiding principles. I provided my direction
on maintaining
positive command climates to achieve mission excellence and set
forth my
expectations for the Coast Guard.
I am proud that nearly all
Coast Guardsmen
live the Core Values of Honor, Respect and Devotion to Duty.
However, some
personnel fail to adhere to this foundational standard of conduct.
Sexual assault, hazing, harassment and discrimination undermine
morale, degrade
readiness and damage mission performance.
These and similar acts of misconduct
break our obligation to one another. Each
incident of sexual assault, hazing,
harassment or discrimination is a deliberate act
that violates law, policy and
Service standards.
We will not tolerate this behavior in the Coast
Guard. We will intervene to
prevent or halt these acts when they are
occurring. We will investigate and
discipline those who have violated law and
Service policy. We will insist that
all of our shipmates live by our Core Values.
In most cases, another person observes or is
aware of the misconduct. Let me be
clear: there are no bystanders in the Coast
Guard. Our duty to respect our
shipmates demands each of us have the courage to
take immediate action to
prevent or stop these incidents from happening,
whether at work or on liberty.
If you become aware of an actual or suspected
incident of sexual assault,
hazing, harassment or discrimination, or other
misconduct, your duty as a Coast
Guardsman is to intervene, prevent or halt it,
and report it. Failure to help a
shipmate in those circumstances demonstrates a
lack of courage that is contrary
to our Core Values. I expect every Coast
Guardsman will display the same
courage in those circumstances as they would in
rescuing someone in peril at
sea.
America must have confidence that Coast Guard
men and women understand their
duty and are committed to our Service. I
have confidence in the ability of
every Coast Guard leader to independently and
deliberately inquire into all
allegations and take action that is considered
and appropriate.
As Coast Guardsmen, we live by high standards of
conduct and continuous devotion
to duty. These are more than just
words. Living by these standards and
performing our duty requires personal commitment
and courage. This is our duty.
Our shipmates deserve nothing less.
Commanding Officers and Officers in Charge shall
read this message at the next
quarters or appropriate muster to ensure my
expectations and intent are clear.
Stand a taut watch.
Semper Paratus,
Admiral Bob Papp
Commandant
