New Commandant Fagan Becomes First Female Branch Chief

June 2, 2022

Adm. Linda Fagan was sworn in Wednesday as commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, making her the first woman to lead a military branch. President Biden, who nominated Fagan, said “it’s about time” a woman was given such a job.

“Secretary of Defense, when he sent me the name, I said, ‘What in the hell took you so long?’” Biden said at the change of command ceremony.

Fagan said after the ceremony that a priority of hers will be ensuring diversity and equity in recruitment.

“Diversity matters,” she told reporters, according to ABC News. “Ideally, we reflect the American society that we serve.”

DHS photo by Benjamin Applebaum

June 2, 2022

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