Results:
Tag: naturalization

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.

Five Coast Guard members from five separate countries were sworn in as U.S. citizens at Cape May on Sept. 6 as part of the service’s naturalization program, Operation Sentinel to Citizen. From left to right: Petty Officer 3rd Class Liam Karlsrud, Petty Officer 2nd Class Justin Peapea, Seaman Rashaad Reid, Seaman Alinyeg Silva, and Seaman Frederick Asare.

Oct. 3, 2024

Coast Guard naturalization program helps 152 members become citizens in its first year

Operation Sentinel to Citizen boosts recruiting, helps non-naturalized members

Support and partner resources