Adm. Linda Lee Fagan, the first woman to lead the US Coast Guard, has been dismissed by Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Benjamine Huffman. The termination follows concerns about border security, recruitment issues, and an alleged 'erosion of trust' within the organization.
The Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, Adm. Linda Lee Fagan , has been terminated by the Acting Secretary of Homeland Security, Benjamine Huffman, due to concerns about border security , recruitment, and an alleged 'erosion of trust' within the organization. A senior DHS official confirmed to Fox News that Fagan's dismissal stemmed from leadership deficiencies, operational failures, and an inability to advance the strategic objectives of the Coast Guard.
Fagan, 61, is accused of ineffective deployment of Coast Guard assets to support national border security, including intercepting fentanyl and other illicit substances. She is also criticized for insufficient coordination with DHS to prioritize operations along maritime borders. The official stated that Fagan had significant failures in recruiting personnel, which worsened issues related to operational readiness. Additionally, a lack of innovative strategies to address retention struggles in critical specialties weakened workforce sustainability. Under her leadership, there were persistent delays and cost overruns in acquiring essential platforms, including icebreakers and helicopters, which, according to the official, undermined Coast Guard capabilities in the Arctic and other strategic regions.The official further cited inadequate accountability for acquisition failures highlighted during President Trump's first administration. Fagan also made Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies a priority, including at the Coast Guard Academy, which allegedly diverted resources and focus from operational essentials. A significant controversy surrounding Fagan's tenure involved Operation Fouled Anchor, the Coast Guard's internal investigation into sexual assault cases at the Coast Guard Academy. The official stated that Fagan's handling and alleged cover-up of Operation Fouled Anchor 'deeply eroded trust' in the Coast Guard among the American public, the U.S. Congress, and the military. The Coast Guard did not disclose the existence of Operation Fouled Anchor until 2023, despite its existence from 2014 to 2019. Fagan faced intense questioning from senators during a summer hearing on Capitol Hill about her role in the cover-up and her withholding of documents requested by congressional lawmakers regarding the mishandling of the issue at the service's academy. The official asserted that the failure to sufficiently address the systemic issues revealed by the investigation highlighted a 'leadership culture' unwilling to ensure accountability and transparency in protecting service members. Fagan served as the 27th Commandant of the Coast Guard starting on June 1st, 2022. She was responsible for overseeing all global Coast Guard operations and a workforce of 42,000 active-duty, 7,000 reserve, and 8,700 civilian personnel, as well as supporting 21,000 Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteers. She made history as the first woman to lead the Coast Guard or any branch of the U.S. military
US Coast Guard Commandant Linda Lee Fagan Termination Border Security Recruitment Operation Fouled Anchor Sexual Assault Cover-Up Diversity Equity And Inclusion
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