President Biden has nominated Admiral Linda Fagan to be the next commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, the Coast Guard announced in a press release Tuesday.
Why it matters: If confirmed, Fagan will become the first woman to lead a U.S. military branch.
- While running for president, both Biden and then-candidate Kamala Harris signed a pledge to ensure at least 50% of their Senate-confirmed national security positions would be women.
The big picture: Fagan is currently the Coast Guard’s second-in-command as vice commandant, a position she has served in since June 2021.
- Her promotion to vice commandant last year made her the first female four-star admiral in Coast Guard history.
- Fagan would replace Admiral Karl Schultz, who is set to retire next month, per USNI News and Politico.
What they’re saying: “Admiral Fagan is an exceptional senior Coast Guard officer and nominee, possessing the keen intellect, the depth of operational experience, and the well-honed leadership and managerial acumen to serve with distinction as our Service’s 27th Commandant,” Schultz said in the press release.
- “Within the Coast Guard and across the Department of Homeland Security, Adm. Fagan is admired as a role model of the utmost integrity, and her historic nomination is sure to inspire the next generation of women who are considering careers in military service,” Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said in a statement, USNI News reported.
- “Admiral Fagan’s nomination will inspire generations of American women to strive to serve at the highest level in the Armed Forces,” Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, said in a statement.