Coast Guard Touts Interdictions, Autonomy and Recruiting Gains; Senators Seek Metrics for Border and River Operations

Admiral Kevin Lundy used the hearing to describe recent mission outcomes and capability investments, and to stress the need to balance surge operations with other statutory missions. He told the committee the Coast Guard interdicted "over 510,000 pounds of cocaine" and saved "an additional 5,000 plus lives" in 2025, presenting those figures as examples of mission impact while implementing Force Design 2028.

Members pressed on border posture and Operation River Wall. Senator Cruz asked what clear, measurable outcomes the service will deliver for surges in South Texas; Admiral Lundy said primary metrics include the number of interdictions, deterred attempted crossings, and coordination with Border Patrol but acknowledged the need to balance that mission with offshore counter‑drug operations.

On autonomous systems, Lundy said reconciliation funds have already been used to procure short‑ and medium‑range autonomous air and surface systems (including a contract with Saildrone) and described their use for expanded maritime domain awareness and persistent surveillance. He also said long‑range unmanned aerial systems are funded but not yet obligated.

Recruiting and retention were prominent topics. Admiral Lundy said the Coast Guard hired "over 5,200" personnel last year and is on track to reach about 6,000; Force Design 2028 aims to grow active‑duty ranks by 15,000. Senators pressed for expanded training capacity (Cape May and follow‑on training) and for housing and family services to sustain retention.

Finally, the commandant noted a $200,000,000 award to rebuild Station South Padre Island to support operations along the Rio Grande and coastal border areas, and reiterated that any appropriation lapse would disrupt operations and impose hardship on personnel.

The committee asked for more metrics and for follow‑up briefings to ensure that new technology, shore investments and surge operations are balanced against the Coast Guard's full mission set.

Ending: Senators left the record open for written questions and requested detailed metrics and execution plans for Operation River Wall and other surge operations.