Fagan could be the first woman appointed to lead a branch of the military.
In an historical first for one of the country’s oldest military branches, a woman has been nominated to take the helm.
President Joe Biden recently nominated Linda Fagan as Commandant of the US Coast Guard.
Fagan, 58, has served as the vice commandant since June 2021. She was the first woman in the service to be promoted to four stars.
Current commandant Adm. Karl Schultz is set to retire at the end of May.
“Admiral Fagan’s nomination will inspire generations of American women to strive to serve at the highest level in the Armed Forces,” said Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Washington), chairperson of the Senate Commerce Committee.
The Senate Commerce Committee oversees the Coast Guard and approves all promotions of the service’s officers.
Fagan has spent 36 years with the Coast Guard, having worked on all seven continents. She is currently the longest-serving active duty Marine Safety Officer, giving her the title of the branch’s first-ever Gold Ancient Trident.
Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Fagan graduated from the Coast Guard Academy with a bachelor’s degree in marine science. She has a master’s degree from the University of Washington and a master of science degree from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces at the National Defense University.
Ashley Adams In her 16 years in the communications industry, Ashley Adams has worn many hats, including news reporter, public relations writer, marketing specialist, copy editor and technical writer. Ashley grew up in Berks County and has since returned to her roots to raise her three children.
