Coast Guard
GalleryTrump praises Class of 2026 during Coast Guard Academy graduation
From staff and wire reports
May 21, 2026
Graduates of the Coast Guard Academy Class of 2026 throw their cadet combination covers into the air during a flyover at the 145th Commencement Exercise at the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., on May 20, 2026. (Rajesh Harrilal/U.S. Coast Guard)
President Donald Trump praised the Class of 2026 during his keynote speech at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy graduation ceremony on Wednesday in New London, Conn.
The president mixed the praise with political rhetoric.
Trump remarked on the current conflict of world events and noted that many of the newly commissioned ensigns could end up some of those volatile places.
“In the hour of need, our Coast Guardsmen have brought hope to the hopeless and swept the innocent from the jaws of a raging sea,” Trump said. “You’ve all been tested, and you’ll be tested further.”
The newly designated junior officers will ‘report to their first duty stations aboard cutters and helicopters and at shoreline stations.
Trump closed his speech by imparting some advice for the graduates: “work hard,” “never give up,” and, on theme for the setting: “Keep your eyes on the boat.”
The Coast Guard, unlike other military branches, is overseen by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Contributing: Tribune News Service (The Day in New London, Conn.; New Haven Register)
Ensign Tealani Wasson renders her first salute to a friend following the 145th Commencement Exercise at the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., on May 20, 2026. The first salute is a military tradition recognizing a newly commissioned officer’s entry into service. (Lyric Jackson/U.S. Coast Guard)
Ensign Tealani Wasson has her shoulder boards replaced by a family member following the 145th Commencement Exercise at the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., on May 20, 2026. The placement of ensign shoulder boards marks a graduate’s transition into the officer corps. (Lyric Jackson/U.S. Coast Guard)
U.S. Coast Guard Academy cadets smile during the 145th Commencement Exercise at the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., on May 20, 2026. (Rajesh Harrilal/U.S. Coast Guard)
U.S. Coast Guard Academy Cadet 1st Class Drew Kamakanikipu‘upu‘u Basque waves at the 145th Commencement Exercise at the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., on May 20, 2026. Approximately 260 U.S. graduates from the Class of 2026 received commissions and earned Bachelor of Science degrees. (Lyric Jackson/U.S. Coast Guard)
A cadet poses for a photo during the 145th Commencement Exercise at the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., on May 20, 2026. (Rajesh Harrilal/U.S. Coast Guard)
President Donald Trump walks through a cordon during the 145th Commencement Exercise at the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., on May 20, 2026. (Lyric Jackson/U.S. Coast Guard)
A cadet waves to her family during the 145th Commencement Exercise at the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., on May 20, 2026. (Lyric Jackson/U.S. Coast Guard)
International cadet Virlyn Gibson, from Guyana, holds her country’s flag during the 145th Commencement Exercise at the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., on May 20, 2026. The Class of 2026 included international students who will return to serve in their respective countries following graduation. (Lyric Jackson/U.S. Coast Guard)
Cadet 1st Class Alexander Beato walks across the stage during the 145th Commencement Exercise at the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., on May 20, 2026. (Lyric Jackson/U.S. Coast Guard)
Chief Warrant Officer Jeffrey Spenner conducts the U.S. Coast Guard Band during the 145th Commencement Exercise at the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., on May 20, 2026. (Lyric Jackson/U.S. Coast Guard)