U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., questioned Admiral Kevin Lunday during a Senate Commerce Committee hearing on the nomination for Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard.
Senator Wicker began by highlighting the benefits of Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) programs. He cited a RAND Corporation study showing that students in JROTC have higher grades, better attendance, and increased graduation rates compared to their peers. Wicker noted Mississippi’s introduction of its first Coast Guard JROTC program at Clinton High School in 2023 and referenced congressional requirements for expanding these programs.
“Admiral Lunday, the experience of serving in Junior Reserve Officer Training (JROTC) Corps programs has real benefits. A RAND Corporation study found that students who participate in JROTC have higher grades, better attendance rates, and are more likely to graduate from high school than other students. Mississippi was pleased to welcome the Coast Guard’s first JROTC program in the state at Clinton High School in 2023. This is in the heartland district of the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard is congressionally required to have a JROTC program in every district by December 1st of this year. In 2025, the Senate-passed Coast Guard Authorization Act included a provision directing the Coast Guard to expand JROTC to no fewer than 20 programs by the end of 2026. There are currently 14 programs. It shouldn’t be too difficult for you to get to 14 programs to 20 programs by the end of next year. Would you comment on that?” asked Senator Wicker.
Admiral Lunday responded: “The Junior ROTC programs are great programs, and I know the one at Clinton High School is one of our largest with the greatest participation of many others. I’m proud to tell you that we are ahead of schedule and establishing a Coast Guard Junior ROTC program in every one of the Coast Guard districts. And if confirmed by the Senate, I will work to complete the requirement by the end of 2026, as you describe it.”
Senator Wicker then addressed illegal fishing activities: “That’s good to hear. It is a citizenship builder, for sure. Let’s move on to Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. It’s a real problem. Admiral Paparo commended the Coast Guard for its service in his area of the world in that regard. Do you believe the Coast Guard is serving U.S. interests in the Indo-Pacific by combatting Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated fishing?”
Admiral Lunday replied: “Thank you, Senator. I do. This is a topic I’ve actually talked personally with Admiral Paparo about. Combating IUU fishing is not just one of our statutory missions. It’s actually a national security issue—particularly, pushing back against the malign influence of China and their distant water fleets. Throughout the Indo-Pacific, we see those fleets encroaching on Pacific Island Nations—even on the high seas, violating international rules about illegal fishing—and we don’t always have the capability to push back. And we are responsible for protecting our sovereignty. We also help Pacific Island nations who don’t have the capability through our ship writer agreements. So yes Sir, it’s of critical importance.”
Wicker brought up recent transportation developments along Mississippi’s Gulf Coast: “It’s a bit of good news that Amtrak has opened the Mardi Gras service between New Orleans, going across the Gulf Coast of Mississippi, and on to Mobile.” He reported strong passenger participation exceeding expectations but pointed out unresolved issues regarding CSX’s remote operation plans for drawbridges in Alabama and Mississippi.
“This company has invested nearly $60 million in safety and automation upgrades to run a remote pilot during the pandemic,” said Wicker regarding CSX’s efforts over five years seeking full automation approval from the Coast Guard. “If confirmed, would you be willing to work with me to resolve this issue and ensure that process better supports minor rail infrastructure while maintaining navigational safety?”
Admiral Lunday answered: “Senator, I’m aware of this issue; if confirmed by Senate I look forward working with you resolve that issue.”
“I think if we work together,” concluded Senator Wicker,“we can get that resolved.The automation is ready,and we need find way yes.So thank very much assurance.”
