The Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, Admiral Admiral Robert J. Papp, Jr., has released his 19th Shipmates Message as ALCOAST 037/12. The Shipmates messages may be found at an archive at http://www.uscg.mil/seniorleadership/shipmates.asp.

Follow up:

Shipmates 19: Respect Our Shipmates – Duty Demands Courage

Shipmates,

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