Biden celebrates ‘pioneer’ Coast Guard commandant

President Joe Biden on Wednesday applauded Adm. Linda Fagan’s ascension to commandant of the Coast Guard, making her the first woman to lead a military service branch.

Biden, speaking at a change of command ceremony that saw outgoing commandant Adm. Karl Schultz relieved of duty, described Fagan as “part of a generation of pioneer women in the force.”

Fagan had served as vice commandant, the service’s No. 2 position, since last June, when she became the first female four-star admiral in the Coast Guard. Her promotion to commandant, Biden said, was “earned throughout a career of outstanding leadership and accomplishment.”

“Now, we need to keep working to make sure Adm. Fagan may be the first but not the only person,” Biden said. “We need to see more women at the highest levels of command in the Coast Guard and across every service in the armed forces.”

Biden nominated Fagan to serve as commandant in April, and the Senate confirmed her for the role in May.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who presided over the change of command, called Fagan a “trailblazer” and acknowledged female officers’ “essential role” in the Coast Guard throughout the service’s more than 230-year history.

“Coast Guard women have helped shape the service and pioneered the role of women in the federal government and the nation,” Mayorkas said. “Now, the Coast Guard has its first woman commandant. Today is a historic day for the United States Coast Guard, a historic day for the United States.”

When it was her turn to speak, Fagan thanked Biden for his confidence, Mayorkas for his support, and Schultz for his leadership as he “guided this service through historic challenges.” She also said she was “immensely grateful to the many pioneers who have paved the way” for her to become commandant.

“I’m proud to be a part of this long history of service, dedication and ground-breaking,” Fagan said, “and I’m committed to carrying these principles forward.”