Katko on U.S. Coast Guard Change of Command

WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. John Katko (R-NY), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, issued the following statement on the U.S. Coast Guard change of command ceremony during which Admiral Karl L. Schultz was relieved as Commandant of the Coast Guard by Admiral Linda L. Fagan.

“The U.S. Coast Guard is our nation’s eyes and ears at sea whose very presence projects safety, security, and protection. Its mission set only continues to grow while its value to our homeland security cannot be overstated. Today, our nation’s mission-driven maritime force will make history welcoming not only its first woman Commandant, Admiral Linda L. Fagan, but the first woman U.S. military service chief. With 36 years of service, Admiral Fagan has served on all levels of the Coast Guard building trust, gaining operational experience, and serving as a proven leader. I would like to congratulate Admiral Fagan on assuming this well-deserved command and look forward to working with her to ensure the Coast Guard has the resources it needs to meet a growing, demanding, and multi-faceted mission set.

“Lastly, I would also like to thank Admiral Karl Schultz for his service to our nation and commitment as the 26^th Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard. He is leaving the maritime force in a better place than when he came to it. We are a nation indebted to him.”

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