University of Washington alum nominated to lead U.S. Coast Guard

University of Washington alum and current U.S. Coast Guard Vice Commandant Admiral Linda Fagan has been nominated to lead the Coast Guard, the Biden administration announced Tuesday.

Admiral Fagan previously served on the Polar Star icebreaker and received her 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 27th Commandant,” U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell said in a statement.

If confirmed, Admiral Fagan will become the first woman, and the first 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,” Cantwell said. “Admiral Fagan’s nomination will inspire generations of American women to strive to serve at the highest level in the Armed Forces.”

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