Linda Fagan

Admiral Linda Fagan became the first female Commandant of the United States Coast Guard in June 2022, breaking one of the last remaining military glass ceilings and becoming the first female service chief in U.S. Armed Forces history. She oversees 42,000 active-duty personnel, 7,000 reserves, 8,700 civilian employees, 21,000 Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteers, and an operating budget exceeding $13 billion.

Previously, Fagan served as the 32nd Vice Commandant and was the Coast Guard’s first female four-star admiral. Her career has taken her to all seven continents, with postings ranging from icebreakers in Antarctica to assignments in Tokyo, Geneva, and numerous ports worldwide. She has worked with the International Maritime Organization and International Labor Organization on issues including the "International Ship and Port Security Code" and the "Consolidated Maritime Labor Convention."

During her 37 years of service, Fagan has received numerous personal and team awards, including recognition on Forbes’ "50 Over 50" list. She is the longest-serving active-duty Marine Safety Officer and the Coast Guard’s first Gold Ancient Trident. Fagan holds a Bachelor of Science in Marine Science from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, a Master of Science in Marine Affairs from the University of Washington, and a Master in National Resource Strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.