First Female USCG Commandant Confirmed

Admiral Linda Fagan
Admiral Linda Fagan
U.S. Coast Guard Commandant nominee Admiral Linda Fagan. Photo: U.S. Coast Guard.

U.S. Coast Guard Admiral Linda Fagan has been confirmed as the military branch’s first female commandant.

Fagan, who was nominated by President Joe Biden to become the Coast Guard’s 27th commandant on April 7, was confirmed by the Senate on May 11.

“It is with deep pride that I congratulate Admiral Linda L. Fagan on her confirmation,” President Biden said in a statement. “(S)he again makes history not only as the first woman to lead the Coast Guard, but also as the first woman Service Chief of any U.S. military service.”

Fagan had been the USCG’s vice commandant since June 2021. In that role, she oversaw implementation of the Commandant’s strategic intent and internal organizational governance.

Before that, she commanded the Coast Guard Pacific Area, managing operations from the Rocky Mountains to the waters off the East Coast of Africa.

She will replace current USCG Commandant Admiral Karl Schultz who is set to retire. The Senate also confirmed Vice Adm. Steven Poulin to succeed Fagan as the branch’s vice commandant.