After four decades, Admiral Charlie Ray has vacated his position as Deputy Commandant of the US Coast Guard and retired. He has been succeeded by Linda Lee Fagan, the first woman to hold this post. With her promotion to four-star admiral, she is also the first woman to hold this high rank in the USCG. Fagan joined the Coast Guard in 1985 and served on every continent before becoming the 32nd Deputy Commandant. Aileen E. Fagan, one of her two daughters, also serves in the Coast Guard with the rank of Lieutenant. Previously, Linda Fagan was Commander of the Coast Guard Pacific Area. Admiral Karl Schultz, Commandant of the Coast Guard, presided over the handover ceremony.

Text: mb; Photo: USCG