Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem spoke at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy commencement ceremony in New London May 21.

The class of 2025 will walk across the stage at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem will give the commencement address, and protestors will be outside the New London campus.

Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., raised questions about U.S. Coast Guard staffing after a Mexican naval ship crashed into New York City’s Brooklyn Bridge on May 17, killing two and injuring dozens.

The commandant identified a shortage in enlisted personnel and an inability to maintain its systems as two examples of service shortfalls.

Secretary Kristi Noem appeared before the House Committee on Homeland Security again on Monday where Democrats took her to task for alleged department failures and outrages. Democrats pounced on accusations that Noem was burning through unappropriated DHS money for colorful photo ops and multi-million-dollar