The Coast Guard announced the renaming of its operational districts from numerical to geographic designations under the government initiative Force Design 2028. The change, directed by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, aims to indicate more accurately the regions that the zones serve and represent.

“This renaming is more than just a change in labels; it’s a critical step in our journey to become a more agile, capable and responsive fighting force,” acting Commandant Kevin E. Lunday, said in a statement. “Under Force Design 2028, we are driving fundamental changes to speed decision-making, improve strategic alignment and ultimately best serve the American people for decades to come.”

The new names, approved by the Department of Homeland Security, are as follows:

• District 1: Northeast District
• District 5: East District
• District 7: Southeast District
• District 8: Heartland District
• District 9: Great Lakes District
• District 11: Southwest District
• District 13: Northwest District
• District 14: Oceania District
• District 17: Arctic District

The numbered system was established during World War II, when the Coast Guard operated as part of the Navy, to ensure alignment between the services.

Read more about Force Design 2028 here.