WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, praised today’s nomination by President Biden of Admiral Linda Fagan to lead the United States Coast Guard as its 27^th Commandant. Admiral Fagan currently serves as the Coast Guard’s Vice Commandant, and would be the first woman to lead any branch of the United States Armed Forces. Admiral Fagan previously served on the Seattle-based Polar Star and received a Master of Science in Marine Affairs from the University of Washington.

“From her career beginnings as a deck watch officer on the Seattle-based icebreaker Polar Star, Admiral Fagan has shown strong leadership and a commitment to service that make her an outstanding choice as the Coast Guard’s 27^th Commandant,” said Sen. Cantwell.  “Upon confirmation, she will become the first woman and mother to lead any branch of the Armed Forces. This nomination proves the value of enacting laws that provide family leave, childcare, and health care access to support talented women in the Coast Guard who have dual roles as service members and parents. Admiral Fagan’s nomination will inspire generations of American women to strive to serve at the highest level in the Armed Forces.”

On Friday, April 1, Sen. Cantwell and Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Chair Senate Subcommittee on Oceans, Fisheries, Climate Change, and Manufacturing wrote President Biden underscoring the urgency for the Administration to nominate the next Commandant.  The current Coast Guard Commandant is statutorily required to retire on May 31. 

“As the Chairs of the Committee and Subcommittee overseeing the Coast Guard, we believe that prompt action to nominate the next Commandant of the United States Coast Guard is imperative to national and economic security, as well as maintaining our commitment to the brave women and men who serve our nation as coasties,” the Senators wrote to the President.  

“In order to secure Senate confirmation of the next Commandant, the Senate must receive the nomination, hold a hearing, and hold a vote in the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation before ultimate consideration by the full Senate,” the Senators added. “Given the time required to confirm the nomination in the Senate, it is imperative that we receive the official as soon as possible.” 

The letter can be found here.