Connecticut officials praised the elevation of Adm. Linda Fagan as the new Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, hailing her recent swearing in as a historic moment for the 231-year-old service.
Fagan, a 1985 graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, became the first woman to lead a branch of the armed forces during a change of command ceremony at the U.S. Coast Guard’s headquarters last week.
Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz said Fagan “shattered the glass ceiling” when she took her oath of office to replace retired Adm. Karl L. Schultz and become the 27th commandant.
“Representation matters,” Bysiewicz said on Twitter. “Under her leadership, we’ll continue to see a rise [in] female cadets within our academies, and no woman will question her ability to lead in the military.”
In a Facebook post, Schultz, an East Hartford native, wrote that the Coast Guard is in “great hands” with Fagan now at the helm.
“I know she will most capably lead our incredible Coast Guard Team into the future, protecting the homeland and advancing our prosperity and National Security interests,” Schultz wrote.
State Rep. Anthony Nolan, who represents New London, congratulated Fagan in a Facebook post for making history and inspiring women to serve their country.
In a Twitter post shared by Gov. Ned Lamont, U.S. President Joe Biden praised Fagan’s groundbreaking career.
“She’s a trailblazer and has demonstrated exceptional skill, integrity, and commitment to our country,” the post read.
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