Adm. Charles W. Ray was relieved as vice commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard by Adm. Linda L. Fagan during a military change-of-watch ceremony held Friday at U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters.
Ray served as the vice commandant since May of 2018 and led the Service’s recapitalization of its legacy fleet of ships and aircraft while ensuring the Coast Guard’s 81,000 active duty, reserve, civilian, and auxiliary members were “Always Ready” to answer the nation’s call. Ray retired from the Coast Guard after 40 years of service and received the Department of Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal from the Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas.
Secretary Alejandro Nicholas Mayorkas, the Secretary of Homeland Security, presents Adm. Charles Ray with a Department of Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal during a Change of Watch ceremony at Coast Guard Headquarters, June 18, 2021. Ray retired after more than 40 years of service in the Coast Guard. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Travis Magee)
“I am extremely proud of the dedication and resiliency I have seen throughout our service and throughout my career,” said Ray. “It has been an honor to serve with the men and women of the Coast Guard and it is my privilege to pass the reigns of vice commandant to Adm. Fagan, a true trailblazer and inspiration to so many.”
Adm. Fagan most recently served as the commander of the Coast Guard Pacific Area, overseeing all Coast Guard operations in the Pacific, covering more than 74 million square miles of ocean, from the U.S. Western States to Asia, and from the Arctic to Antarctica.
Vice Adm. Linda L. Fagan is promoted to the rank of admiral during a ceremony at Coast Guard Headquarters, June 18, 2021. Fagan is the Coast Guard’s first woman to serve as a four-star admiral. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Lt. j.g. Pamela Manns)
“Thank you Adm. Ray for your service and your extraordinary leadership. You have made a tremendous, and long-lasting impact on our great service and we will strive to build upon your extraordinary work,” said Adm. Karl L. Schultz, Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard. “Adm. Fagan, it is an honor to welcome you as the first woman to serve as a four-star admiral in the U.S. Coast Guard, and I congratulate you as you assume the duties as our 32nd Vice Commandant. I am proud to be part of this historic moment and look forward to leading the Coast Guard alongside of you.”
Adm. Linda Fagan relieved Adm. Charles Ray as the 32nd Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard during a Change of Watch ceremony at Coast Guard Headquarters, June 18, 2021. Ray retired after more than 40 years of service in the Coast Guard. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Travis Magee)