WASHINGTON — A secret investigation called "Operation Fouled Anchor" into alleged sexual abuse at the US Coast Guard Academy uncovered a dark history of more than 100 rapes, assaults and other serious misconduct from 1988 to 2006 being ignored and covered up by high-ranking officials.
At a hearing in July, lawmakers expressed outrage.
"Coming forward to report sexual harassment or assault takes courage and bravery. But when those allegations are swept under the rug, it's insulting, retraumatizing and a further disservice to the victim," said Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin).
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) said: "By not taking appropriate action to address past sexual misconduct at the Coast Guard Academy, the Coast Guard tragically failed to protect its most important assets: its people."
For her part, Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Linda Fagan said she's "One hundred percent committed" to examining how the failures occurred and why the investigation was hidden.
"I, again, apologize to each victim, survivor and their loved ones. We failed to provide the safe environment that every member of the Coast Guard deserves.," she said.,
This week, Rep. Joe Courtney (D- Connecticut) introduced the "Coast Guard Academy Safe-to-Report Parity Act."
The bill would bring the Coast Guard Academy in line with the other military branches in ensuring that victims of sexual assaults who come forward are not punished for minor infractions under the Uniform Code of Military Justice that might have been committed when the crime took place.