‘Hand-drawn’ swastika found at US Coast Guard recruit training center | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload ourSocial PartnerWe are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleRachel DobkinTuesday 24 February 2026 12:58 GMTThe US Coast Guard has launched an investigation (Getty)The US Coast Guard has launched an investigation after a "hand-drawn" swastika was discovered at a recruit training centre in Cape May, New Jersey.An instructor reportedly found the symbol on a men's bathroom wall on Thursday evening, prompting an immediate referral to the Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS).While a Coast Guard spokesperson confirmed a "hate symbol" was found, they did not explicitly confirm it was a swastika.Following the incident, Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Kevin Lunday addressed nearly 900 recruits and staff, condemning "extremist ideology" and stating it has no place in the service.Lunday previously denied reports that the Coast Guard would no longer classify swastikas as hate symbols, reaffirming that such displays would be thoroughly investigated and punished.In fullCoast Guard investigating after ‘hand-drawn’ swastika found at recruit training center: reportsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in