In a groundbreaking internal review, U.S. Coast Guard officials have promised extensive reforms following reports of sexual assault and harassment within the organization. The 90-day review, released on Wednesday, highlights the erosion of trust in leadership and the prevalence of a "permissive environment" that allows for inappropriate jokes and comments. The report, which incorporates interviews with Coast Guard members, including victims dating back to the 1960s, calls for a focus on preventing "inappropriate or unhealthy behavior" at its earliest stages.

The review was initiated by Adm. Linda Fagan, commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, after the organization faced criticism for not widely disclosing a six-year internal investigation known as "Operation Fouled Anchor." This investigation, first exposed by CNN, revealed 62 substantiated cases of rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in Connecticut from 1988 to 2006.

While the report acknowledges the pain and loss of trust expressed by victims, it has received criticism from lawmakers for not holding anyone accountable for past failures, particularly at the Coast Guard Academy. Senator Chris Murphy, a Democrat from Connecticut, expressed disappointment with the lack of accountability measures in the report, calling it "unacceptable."

Murphy also pointed out recent reporting by CNN, which revealed that the Coast Guard had concealed a 2015 report exposing gender and race discrimination, hazing, and sexual assault within the organization. The report warned against a prevailing "boys will be boys" culture, which still exists.

In response to the internal review, Adm. Fagan issued a memorandum outlining specific actions to address improper conduct. However, the memo clarified that these actions would not impact cases stemming from Operation Fouled Anchor. Fagan emphasized the need for tailored training to cultivate a positive workplace climate, improve leadership courses, increase oversight of the cadet corps at the academy, and enhance physical security within the cadet dormitories.

Fagan's memorandum also highlighted plans to develop bystander intervention training and provide comprehensive sexual assault prevention, response, and recovery training for all Coast Guard personnel by 2025. The aim is to ensure that every Coast Guard workplace has a climate that deters harmful behaviors.

While the internal review serves as an important step in acknowledging the organization's failures and addressing the concerns of victims, lawmakers emphasize the need for concrete steps to hold individuals accountable and create lasting change within the U.S. Coast Guard. The organization now faces the daunting task of implementing the recommended reforms and rebuilding trust among its members.