The U.S. Coast Guard plans to cut one-quarter of its 46 flag officer positions this year in a move that acting Commandant Adm. Kevin Lunday said is part of a force redesign aimed at improving effectiveness. In a Coast Guard-wide message May 15, Lunday said Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem "determined that there is redundant executive oversight" in the service that "hinders efficient decision-making and service effectiveness." The goal is to reduce the number of flag officers by about 25%