Coast Guard Commandant Fired Over Leadership Failures, Border Security Concerns

WASHINGTON, D.C. u2014 Adm. Linda Lee Fagan, the 27th Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, has been terminated by Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Benjamine Huffman, a senior DHS official confirmed to Fox News. The decision follows concerns over leadership deficiencies, operational failures, and an “erosion of trust” within the agency.

Fagan, who assumed her role on June 1, 2022, was responsible for overseeing global Coast Guard operations, including 42,000 active-duty personnel, 7,000 reservists, 8,700 civilians, and 21,000 auxiliary volunteers. Her dismissal stems from multiple issues, including the failure to address border security threats, insufficient leadership in recruitment and retention, and mismanagement in acquiring critical assets such as icebreakers and helicopters.

“Adm. Fagan demonstrated an inability to advance the strategic objectives of the Coast Guard,” the senior DHS official said. “There were significant concerns about her focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at the expense of core operational priorities.”

One of the most contentious issues during Faganu2019s tenure was the mishandling and alleged cover-up of Operation Fouled Anchor, an investigation into sexual assault and harassment within the Coast Guard Academy. The scandal further eroded trust in her leadership, according to the official.

Faganu2019s termination marks a rare shake-up in the leadership of one of the nationu2019s oldest military branches. The Coast Guard plays a critical role in border security, maritime law enforcement, and disaster response, making effective leadership essential to its mission.

Acting Secretary Huffman has not yet announced a replacement for Fagan. The decision comes amid heightened scrutiny of the Department of Homeland Securityu2019s handling of border security and recruitment challenges across military branches.

The Coast Guard has faced significant hurdles in recent years, including declining recruitment numbers and aging infrastructure. Faganu2019s dismissal underscores the growing pressure on military leaders to address these issues while maintaining operational readiness.