The United States Coast Guard is advancing its commitment to operational excellence at Headquarters through strategic organizational restructuring designed to enhance efficiency, streamline decision-making, and optimize support for senior leadership. This initiative represents transformative change for the service, fundamentally improving how Headquarters operates to better align with the Coast Guard’s mission and priorities.
Effective Wednesday, December 3, 2025, the Executive Secretariat will transition from the Office of the Commandant and reconstitute as the Coast Guard Executive Secretariat (CG-ES), reporting directly to the Coast Guard Chief of Staff (CG-CoS). This transformation represents a pivotal step in aligning with the Administration’s Force Design 2028 (FD28) directives to modernize the Coast Guard into a more agile, capable, and responsive force.
Under this reorganization, functions previously managed by the Executive Secretariat will now fall under the purview of the CG-CoS and the newly established CG-ES. This structural enhancement is designed to improve operational efficiency, strengthen coordination across Headquarters and field commands, enhance accountability, and facilitate seamless information flow. By implementing these FD28 initiatives, the Coast Guard is positioning itself to better support strategic decision-making and fulfill its mission with greater effectiveness.
Core Functions of CG-ES:
- Driving internal and external communication and tasking, including clearance of final reports and deliverables.
- Leading and managing Presidential Directive Implementation.
- Overseeing and executing the Strategic Decision-Making process.
- Supporting and coordinating the Coast Guard Investment Council.
The CG-ES will evolve to meet the demands of dynamic workflows, ultimately expanding into five portfolios: Deputy Commandant for Operations, Deputy Commandant for Systems, Deputy Commandant for Personnel, Above the Line, and Strategic Decision-Making. Additionally, each Deputy Commandant and CG-094 will have dedicated Executive Secretariat staff to ensure seamless coordination and execution within their respective directorates. This reorganization will foster improved communication, integration, and collaboration across Coast Guard Headquarters, ensuring robust support for senior leadership.
The newly established CG-ES will be led by CAPT Keedah Ray Marshall, serving as Chief of the Executive Secretariat, reporting directly to the Acting Chief of Staff, Mr. Gary Rasicot. CG-ES will align tasking and responses with other CG-CoS elements while providing dedicated coordination across Headquarters directorates.
"I'm incredibly excited about this transition and the opportunities it presents,” said CAPT Ray Marshall. “This move, coupled with the restructuring, will not only better position the Executive Secretariat to provide the critical support needed by our leaders at Headquarters, but it also embodies our commitment to teamwork and collaboration. By improving communication and streamlining processes, we will create a more agile and responsive organization, ultimately ensuring we are fully equipped to meet the challenges ahead. I look forward to working alongside our dedicated team to make this vision a reality."
This organizational transformation, facilitated by the Office of the Chief of Staff, represents a revolutionary change for the Coast Guard. By enhancing operational and tactical execution and expediting strategic decision-making, the Coast Guard is advancing its commitment to excellence, innovation, and mission readiness, and ensuring the service remains a trusted and formidable force in safeguarding the nation.
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