ADM Linda Fagan was added to the list of women making history this past April 5th when President Joe Biden nominated her to be the 27th Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard. While women have been serving in the Coast Guard at some capacity since the 1830’s, if confirmed by the Senate Admiral Linda Fagan will be the very first woman to lead a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Born in Columbus, Ohio, Fagan graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy in 1985 with a B.S. degree in Marine Science. She also holds a Master of Marine Affairs and an M.S. degree in National Security Strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces at the National Defense University.
ADM Fagan got her beginnings serving as a Marine Inspector aboard the Seattle-based USCGC POLAR STAR, a 399ft heavy polar icebreaker, where she served for more than 15 years. ADM Fagan now holds the responsibility of leading the Coast Guard in its major effort to modernize, including building new icebreakers and other ships in the fleet. She will also undertake the fiercely debated marine safety issues in the North Pacific. Her expertise in this area and intergovernmental experience will certainly aid her in these endeavors, especially when dealing with recent accusations of the Coast Guard “slow-walking” the regulations.
As the admiral takes on these crucial challenges her peers unanimously agree she is the right person for the job. She is quoted to be a woman of the utmost integrity and an admired role-model across the Coast Guard and the Department of Homeland Security. Alejandro Mayorkas from the Department of Homeland Security stated, “ADM Fagan is a tremendous leader, trailblazer, and respected public servant who will lead the Coast Guard across its critical missions with honor. Over ADM Fagan’s 36 years in the Coast Guard, she has served on seven continents, was previously commander of the Coast Guard Pacific Area, and is the officer with the longest service record in the marine safety field.”
Admiral Linda Fagan is an inspiring leader and devoted mother. Hopefully she will encourage this next generation of young woman to serve at the highest level of the Armed Forces.
The nomination hearing for U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Nominee Admiral Linda Fagan will take place April 28th at 10am EDT. The public is encouraged to watch the live stream here: www.commerce.senate.gov.
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