Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Karl L. Schultz, flanked by senior USCG leadership, asked service members in a video message to remain steadfast during the ongoing partial government shutdown.
The Coast Guard falls under the purview of the Department of Homeland Security, and remains the only military branch to not get paid during the shutdown.
“Your Coast Guard leadership team recognizes the anxiety and concern across our total mission-ready total workforce,” Schultz said. “We remain a ready, relevant and responsive Coast Guard. Now is the time to lead through leaders, and I call on you to be intrusive leaders at your respective units — demonstrating empathy, conveying key information in identifying and ensuring our most vulnerable shipmates get the assistance they need.”
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The shutdown, which began at midnight on Dec. 22, threatened to impact the Dec. 31 paychecks for the Coast Guard, until the White House stepped in and the end-of-year paychecks were issued. But affected federal workers did not get mid-month paychecks.
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Standing alongside Schultz were Vice Commandant Adm. Charles Ray, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Jason Vanderhaden, Director of Civilian Human Resources, Diversity and Leadership Michelle Godfrey, and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Reserve George Williamson.
Schultz said that Ray will continue to provide updates on the shutdown.
“Our nation values the service and sacrifice of our workforce,” Schultz said. “Your professionalism and dedication are the backbone, or the main brace, of what defines us as the world’s best Coast Guard. Thank you.”
The Coast Guard provided its workforce with the following resources:
- Office of Personnel Management Guidance for Shutdown Furloughs
- Lapse in Appropriations Resource Information
- All Hand Email dated 1/10/2019 from Admiral Charles Ray
- All Hands Email dated 1/9/2019 from Admiral Karl Schultz
- Active Duty, Reserve, and Military Retired FAQ *UPDATED 1/11*
- Civilian Benefits Fact Sheet
- Letter to Creditors – Military
- Letter to Creditors – Civilian
- Letter to Creditors – Retirees
- Military and Retiree Health Care Information
- Lapse in Appropriations Guide
Any members of the Coast Guard who have questions related to the shutdown can email [email protected]; civilian staff can email [email protected] and the Center Helpline, (866) 772-8724, is available between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. CST.