Senate confirms new commander of the US Coast Guard

The first woman to head the US Coast Guard (marineforum reported: https://marineforum.online).

Vice Admiral Linda Fagan has now been confirmed as the new commander, officially making her the first woman in uniform to head a branch of the armed forces. The decision was made late Wednesday evening during the final session and was passed unanimously by the senators. During her hearing before the Senate Commerce Committee last month, lawmakers praised both her qualifications and the historic nature of her appointment. On Wednesday, Senator Maria Cantwell - chair of the committee - reiterated these themes again on the Senate floor before final confirmation.

"We are sending a strong message to the female cadets and to the people who are being trained in Cape May. And we're sending a strong message to young girls who dream of one day serving in the Coast Guard. We are now saying that the leader of this organisation knows that your service is important, that your contribution to the Coast Guard and to the country is important. And yes, you too can be a commander one day."