U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas is urging the Senate to "swiftly confirm" Admiral Linda L. Fagan and Vice Admiral Steven D. Poulin as US. Coast Guard commandant and vice commandant respectively.
In a statement issued April 5, Mayorkas said President Joe Biden "made and exceptional choice" in nominating Fagan and that he was "also pleased" with Biden's nomination of Poulin.
"Admiral Fagan is a tremendous leader, trailblazer and respected public servant who will lead the Coast Guard across its critical missions with honor," Mayorkas said in his statement. "Over Admiral Fagan's 36 years in the Coast Guard, she has served on seven continents, was previously commander of the Coast Guard Pacific Area and is the officer with the longest service record in the Marine Safety Field. Within the Coast Guard and across the Department of Homeland Security, Admiral Fagan is admired as a role model of the utmost integrity, and her historic nomination is sure to inspire the next generation of women who are considering careers in military service."
Mayorkas remarked Poulin, who currently serves as the Coast Guard Atlantic Area commander, has had a "distinguished career" that "makes him especially well-suited for this position."
"If confirmed, Adm. Fagan will be the first woman in history to serve as Commandant and the first female service chief," Biden said in an April 5 Facebook post. "My administration is committed to seeing more qualified women at the highest levels of command and making sure women can succeed and thrive throughout their military careers."
