U.S. Coast Guard Academy

05/23/2026

🎓⚓ As we wrap up Commencement season and welcome the Class of 2026 to the fleet, we're continuing our series by highlighting members of the Class of 2025 and their first year of service. ⚓🌎

ENS James Chase is currently serving aboard the USCGC Stratton, homeported in Alameda, CA. His time aboard has been filled with adventure, challenge, and constant learning as he develops his ship handling skills and gains experience operating around the world. He has especially enjoyed visiting new places with the cutter and learning to appreciate the everyday comforts that can be easy to take for granted while underway.

Although his assignment has taken him around the world, one of his favorite aspects of the job is returning home to a familiar community and spending time with family between patrols.

Advice he has for the new ENS: "Your first assignment will challenge you in many new ways, and you will grow immensely from it. You are about to undertake an immense amount of change to kick off an exciting new chapter in your life!"

05/22/2026

📸 More photos from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy's 145th Commencement Exercises! ⚓🎓

Take a look at some additional moments from Commencement and join us in congratulating our newest Coast Guard officers as they begin their service to the nation. ⚓✨

05/21/2026

⚓🎓 Congratulations to the Class of 2026 and welcome to the fleet! 🎓⚓

Yesterday, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy celebrated its 145th Commencement Exercises, commissioning the newest officers of the United States Coast Guard.

Take a look back at yesterday's ceremony and help us welcome the Class of 2026 as they begin their Coast Guard careers. ⚓✨

The White House Secretary Markwayne Mullin U.S. Coast Guard

05/20/2026

05/20/2026

🎥⚓ The wait is over — today’s the day!

Join us live as we celebrate this milestone moment at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. Family, friends, alumni, and supporters from around the world can tune in using the livestream link below.

The One Hundred and Forty-Fifth Commencement ExercisesUnited States Coast Guard AcademyWednesday, May 20, 2026, 10:45 am

05/18/2026

🌅 Sunset Review 🌅

Last night, the Class of 2026 took to the parade field for the annual Sunset Regimental Review, a timeless tradition illuminated by golden skies and surrounded by friends and family. 🇺🇸✨

Next stop: Commencement in just TWO days! 🎓🎉

05/18/2026

🚨🎓Important Info for USCGA Commencement Guests! 🎓🚨

The 2026 Commencement Ceremony on Cadet Memorial Field is not open to the public. All attendees must have a valid ticket and present a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to enter the campus. Those under the age of 18 do not require identification.

Guests without a ticket and proper ID will not be permitted entry.

For acceptable forms of REAL ID-compliant identification please see link below:
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping this a safe and secure celebration!

05/16/2026

⚓🌎 🌎⚓

In preparation for Commencement, this series highlights where our recent graduates are serving and what they are doing in the fleet today ⚓✨

ENS Kira Howard is currently stationed aboard USCGC ELM (WLB 204), a buoy tender homeported in Astoria, Oregon. She is gaining valuable operational experience while applying the skills and training she developed at the Academy directly to the fleet 🇺🇸

Living and working in the Pacific Northwest has been a highlight of her first assignment. Outside of work, she takes full advantage of the region’s diverse landscape, exploring Washington and Oregon through hiking, biking, skiing, and running 🌲⛰️

Her advice to future graduates:
“Start getting excited. If you need to road trip, enjoy it. I stopped at five national parks on my way to Oregon from the East Coast. I love working at my unit, but I also love adventuring around the area on weekends when we are in port.”

05/15/2026

05/13/2026

Just 1 WEEK until the U.S. Coast Guard Academy’s Class of 2026 walks across the stage and steps into the fleet!

📅 Commencement: May 20, 2026 @1100
🎟️ Please note: This event is not open to the public, tickets are required for entry.
🔴 Join us on the livestream and be part of this milestone moment!
📺 Watch Live: https://www.youtube.com/live/Deg3xCxDX6E

Let’s cheer on our newest Ensigns as they embark on their next chapter in service to our Nation!

The White House

05/12/2026

⚓🌎 🌎⚓

In preparation for Commencement, this series highlights where our 2025 graduates are serving and what they are doing in the fleet today. ⚓✨

ENS Sean Sullivan is currently stationed aboard USCGC Calhoun, and he absolutely loves it.

Stationed in Charleston, South Carolina, ENS Sullivan says one of his favorite parts is the beauty of the area. Within twenty minutes he can be in the countryside, which reminds him of home. He also appreciates the strong sense of community and the wide range of activities available. If there is something you want to be a part of, chances are you will find it there. 🌅🌿

His advice to Class 2026: take time to smell the roses while you are still at the Academy and do not fret about the fleet. The fleet is excited to receive you and will help you get where you need to be.