05.11.22

Cantwell: “We are Sending a Strong Message to Women Serving in the Coast Guard… You too can be Commandant Someday.”

Admiral Linda Fagan, the first woman to lead any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, was confirmed by unanimous consent in the Senate

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, by unanimous consent, the U.S. Senate confirmed Admiral Linda Fagan, President Biden’s nominee to serve as Commandant of the United States Coast Guard. Admiral Fagan is the first woman to lead any branch of the United States military. Commandant Fagan will assume her role on June 1, 2022. Prior to the vote, Senator Cantwell (D-WA) spoke in support of Admiral Fagan’s confirmation: 

“Now more than ever, we must have a strong tested leader as Commandant. It is clear from her record that Admiral Fagan is the right woman for the job,” said Cantwell. “I look forward to working with her to ensure that the men and women in the Coast Guard have the tools they need to execute their mission and support their families.”

A transcript of Senator Cantwell’s full remarks is available HERE.

Prior to her confirmation, Admiral Fagan served as the U.S. Coast Guard’s Vice Commandant. She received a Master of Science in Marine Affairs from the University of Washington and previously served on the Seattle-based heavy icebreaker, the Polar Star. Admiral Fagan has served 36 years in the U.S. Coast Guard and is the longest-serving active duty Marine Safety Officer.

As Commandant, Admiral Fagan will lead 55,700 active duty, reserve, and civilian members, and approximately 26,000 auxiliary volunteers. Washington state is currently home to 1,641 active duty Coast Guard service members deployed across 11 different stations. A total of 1,291 active duty, civilians, and reservists are based in Seattle.

On April 28, 2022, As Chair of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Senator Cantwell led Admiral Fagan’s confirmation hearing. At the hearing, Cantwell said, “This is a historic moment for our country and for women in the armed services. It will be the first time that a woman will lead one of the six branches of the armed services. So I am hoping that your leadership will also will lead to more progress on getting women recruited and retained in the Coast Guard.”

Senator Cantwell’s statement in response to Admiral Fagan’s nomination is available HERE.

Video of Senator Cantwell’s floor speech is available HERE, audio HERE, and a full transcript HERE.

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