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Celebrating Women in History Month – Continued

As we celebrate Women in History Month, we reflect on the long-standing integration of women in the Service.

US Coast Guard Celebrates Womens History Month

Dear Catherine,

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we reflect on the long-standing integration of women in the Service. The National Coast Guard Museum is dedicated to honoring and preserving our history, and women have played a significant role throughout the Coast Guard’s 233-year history. A few moments in time:

  • In the 1830s, women were first officially assigned as keepers in the Lighthouse Service.
  • In 1942, the U.S. Coast Guard Women’s Reserve program (officially nicknamed the “SPARs”), was first established.
  • In 1974, the first group of women enlisted as “Regulars” and reported to Cape May. The Recruit Company, designated Sierra 89, was made up of 33 women.
  • 1994 saw the first integrated crews on patrol boats, CGC Monomoy and Pea Island, in the Coast Guard.
  • On June 18, 2021, ADM Linda Fagan assumed duties as the 32nd Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard, with the rank of four-star admiral, becoming the first woman in history to hold that rank in the Coast Guard. The following year the Senate confirmed ADM Linda Fagan as the Coast Guard’s 27th Commandant, the first woman to hold that position and the first woman to command an armed service of the United States.

Behind these milestones are the stories of incredible people who have paved the way through history. At the National Coast Guard Museum Association, celebrating trailblazers and supporting the preservation of history is our mission. To learn more, please visit www.coastguardmuseum.org

Semper Paratus,

Pulver esig Grey

CAPT Wes Pulver, USCG (Ret.)