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Tag: Citizenship

Petty Officer Third Class Melissa Chaparro Santillan holds her certificate of U.S. citizenship at U.S. Coast Guard Training Center (TRACEN) Cape May, December 13, 2024 (U.S. Coast Guard Photo Courtesy of Petty Officer Second Class Christopher Biggs).

Jan. 21, 2026

From Mexico to the Coast Guard: A story of service and citizenship

Petty Officer Third Class Melissa Chaparro Santillan discusses her journey to and future in the Service.

SN Oz Syla [previously known as Usman Rajkotwala, second from left] and his shipmates are sworn in as U.S. citizens during Rome-207’s graduation at Training Center (TRACEN) Cape May, October 2025 (U.S. Coast Guard Photo Courtesy of CWO Mike Lutz).

Jan. 12, 2026

A journey of service and citizenship

How SN Oz Syla found purpose and belonging through the Coast Guard Naturalization Program.

U.S. Coast Guard Seaman Arsene Katumbayi graduates from U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Cape May during a ceremony, Sept. 15, 2023 –as a new fleet member and a naturalized citizen. In conjunction with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the U.S. Coast Guard allows eligible residents to become naturalized citizens after successful completion of boot camp by conducting applicable interviews and screenings during training, meeting with the Staff Judge Advocate, and passing their citizenship test. Cape May is one of four training centers now authorized to certify honorable service for members’ citizenship applications. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Gregory Schell)

April 11, 2024

New: Coast Guard streamlines naturalization services for Coast Guard recruits, reservists, and active-duty members

Four TRACENS now authorized to certify honorable service for members seeking U.S. citizenship.

Coast Guard Seaman Joseph Dodd raises his right hand Monday, July 3, 2017, during a naturalization ceremony aboard the USS Hornet in Alameda, Calif. Dodd, a native of the United Kingdom, is an active duty member of the U.S. Coast Guard and became a U.S. citizen during the ceremony. U.S. Coast Guard photograph by Senior Chief Petty Officer NyxoLyno Cangemi

March 7, 2023

Coast Guard clarifies naturalization through military service policy

How Green Card-holding Coasties can obtain citizenship 

Nov. 13, 2020

Honor Guard member becomes U.S. Citizen

Originally from Halle in central Germany, Michalak raised her right hand once again, this time to take the Naturalization Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America. 

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