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COASTIE CORNER

Admiral Linda

Fagan Sworn in as

Commandant of

U.S. Coast Guard,

Becomes First

Woman Leader of

Any Branch of U.S.

Armed Forces

June 1, 2022 Admiral Linda L. Fagan, Commandant,
U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Coast Guard
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, In May, Senator Cantwell authored an editorial in the
hailed today’s swearing in of Admiral Linda Fagan, who Seattle Times lauding Admiral Fagan’s career milestone
becomes the 27th Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard. titled: “Breaking the U.S. Military’s Glass Ceiling.”
Admiral Fagan is the first woman, and first mother, to
lead any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. Senator Cantwell also praised Admiral Fagan at the time
of her nomination: “From her career beginnings as a
Admiral Fagan began her 36-year career as a deck watch deck watch officer on the Seattle-based icebreaker Polar
officer on the Seattle-based heavy icebreaker, the Polar Star, Admiral Fagan has shown strong leadership and a
Star. In 2000, she earned a Master of Science in Marine commitment to service that make her an outstanding
Affairs from the University of Washington. Admiral Fagan choice as the Coast Guard’s 27th Commandant,” said
is believed to be the first University of Washington gradu- Sen. Cantwell. “Upon confirmation, she will become the
ate to lead a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. first woman and mother to lead any branch of the Armed
Forces. This nomination proves the value of enacting laws
Senator Cantwell led Admiral Fagan’s nomination hear- that provide family leave, childcare, and health care access
ing in April. In her opening statement, Sen. Cantwell to support talented women in the Coast Guard who have
told Admiral Fagan: “This is a historic moment for dual roles as service members and parents. Admiral Fagan’s
our country and for women in the Armed Services. nomination will inspire generations of American women
It will be the first time that a woman will lead one of to strive to serve at the highest level in the Armed Forces.”
the six branches of the Armed Services. I am hoping
that your leadership will also will lead to more progress Admiral Linda L. Fagan assumed the duties as the 27th
on getting women recruited and retained in the Coast Commandant of the United States Coast Guard on June
Guard. That with your help and focus on important 1st, 2022. As Commandant, she oversees all global Coast
issues, like childcare, healthcare, and education that Guard operations and 42,000 active-duty, 7,000 reserve,
‘Coasties,’ like your daughter, can have a long career and 8,700 civilian personnel, as well as the support of
in the Coast Guard.” 21,000 Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteers.

16 The Mariner • 2022 SUMMER Edition • Volume 65 • Issue 2