Coast Guard Chaplaincy Forging Spiritual Readiness
by U.S. Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Cory Mendenhall
August 15, 2026

We will ready the service ... Adm. Kevin Lunday, Coast Guard commandant, made this promise early in his strategic document Commandant’s Intent, highlighting the importance of the service meeting the physical and mental demands of its missions.

Much emphasis is placed on members’ physical readiness, but spiritual readiness can often be overlooked. This can degrade servicemembers’ ability to be fully prepared when the call comes. The important work chaplains do bolsters Coast Guard members’ ability to be ready and ensures they are spiritually fit, as well as mentally and physically fit, to accomplish the mission with honor.

The Coast Guard technically does not maintain its own independent chaplain corps. Instead, Navy chaplains are detailed to serve in Coast Guard billets, proudly wearing the Coast Guard uniform. Because these billets are relatively rare, they are highly sought after and competitive among Navy chaplains.

However, some prospective chaplains aren’t familiar with the Coast Guard, its missions, or the chaplaincy opportunities the service provides.

Recognizing this gap in awareness, Lt. Cmdr. Saejeong Kim, the U.S. Coast Guard Oceania District chaplain, recently partnered with Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point to host a comprehensive chaplaincy orientation to raise awareness of what she calls a hidden gem of a service. “I wanted to promote the Coast Guard’s mission and chaplaincy so more clergy can understand and join this meaningful work,” Kim said.

The orientation provided an immersive introduction to Coast Guard ministry for four Navy Chaplain Candidate Program officers, Coast Guard chaplains, Navy chaplains, Coast Guard Auxiliary chaplain and religious program specialists. The attendees represented nine faith traditions including Catholic, Jewish, Buddhist, and several Protestant denominations. This demonstrated the breadth of support available to Coast Guard members and their families.

The orientation attendees were addressed by Cmdr. Dustin Barker, the air station’s executive officer, Capt. David Stroud, Coast Guard Pacific Area chaplain, and Lt. j.g. Gunnar Brodfuehrer prior to participating in a flight on a Coast Guard C-130 aircraft. The flight was a highlight for the prospective chaplains, but the true benefit of the experience was gaining a deeper understanding of a chaplain’s role in the well-being of servicemembers.

“As chaplains, we are called to serve those who serve our nation with honor by respecting the unique gifts of every member as a human being and by fostering their connection to a higher purpose to anchor an unwavering devotion to duty,” said Kim.

Stroud emphasized the importance of considering all facets of well-being and fitness.

“As military service demands so much from our people, it is vital they are fit in every way - mental, physical, emotional and spiritual,” said Stroud. “Spiritual fitness gives the service member a foundation on which to stand, especially when times are tough. We provide a confidential place where people can seek guidance through life’s challenges.”

“We provide emotional, ethical and spiritual support to all servicemembers,” said Lt. Ryan Mallek, a rabbi and chaplain at Pearl Harbor Memorial Chapel. “We are often the one place people can speak without fear because of our privileged communication.”

Lt. Mark Bristol, a Catholic priest and chaplain, highlighted that chaplains can offer something technology cannot replicate.

“Human connection in a safe, confidential space is something no AI agent or webcam can provide,” Bristol said.

The orientation also highlighted how partnerships can broaden the reach of Coast Guard ministry through efforts like the Coast Guard Auxiliary Chaplain Support (ACS) Program. Auxiliary chaplains are vital in assisting the active-duty chaplain corps in supporting Coast Guard members across the service’s vast footprint.

“I have witnessed the transformation of these service members from sadness, confusion and depression to peace, gratitude and rejoicing within short periods of time,” said Nanan Coughlin, a Coast Guard Auxiliary Chaplain Support chaplain.

All involved agreed that the orientation was a success in both providing an in-depth look at Coast Guard ministry and bringing together chaplains from many backgrounds and faith traditions to highlight their shared mission of bringing compassionate, confidential care to servicemembers.

“One of the most moving moments during the orientation was witnessing chaplains from many different faith traditions standing side by side to pray for and bless the Coast Guard air crews, their aircraft, and the equipment they use to save lives across the Pacific,” said Bristol. “Such visible interfaith collaboration is a powerful witness to our shared commitment to caring for those who serve.”

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