Admiral Linda Fagan made history as the first woman to lead a U.S. military service branch. As Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, she oversees a diverse range of missions, from maritime law enforcement to disaster response. Fagan's leadership is marked by a commitment to modernization, innovation, and diversity.
She has emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships with other agencies and international organizations to address complex maritime challenges. She received unanimous consent from the Senate on May 11, 2022.
Lieutenant General Maria B. Barrett is a prominent figure in the field of military cyber operations. As the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Cyber Command, she is responsible for defending the nation's critical infrastructure and information systems.
Before ascending to lieutenant general, Barrett was Commanding General of the Network Enterprise Technology Command in Fort Huachuca, Arizona. Barrett's leadership has been instrumental in developing the Army's cyber capabilities and ensuring the service is prepared to address evolving threats.
General Jacqueline Van Ovost is a highly respected leader in military transportation. As the commander of the U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), she is responsible for the global movement of troops and equipment.
Van Ovost has overseen the modernization of USTRANSCOM's transportation capabilities, ensuring that the military can rapidly deploy forces worldwide.
Vice Admiral Sara Joyner is a trailblazer in naval aviation. She has held numerous leadership positions throughout her career, including serving as the first woman to command a carrier strike group.
Sara Joyner embarked on a groundbreaking career in the U.S. Navy, becoming a fighter pilot in 1996. She flew the formidable F/A-18 Hornet with the prestigious Strike Fighter Squadron 147. In 2007, she assumed command of Strike Fighter Squadron 105, making history as one of the first women to lead a fighter squadron. She held this position until 2008.
Brigadier General Paula C. Lodi is a highly respected public health officer who has made significant contributions to the Army. As the commander of the Army's Public Health Center, she is responsible for protecting the health and well-being of soldiers and their families.
Lodi has led initiatives to improve preventive medicine, combat infectious diseases, and promote healthy lifestyles. She has served in a variety of leadership roles, including command positions at the brigade and battalion levels. Lodi has also held key staff positions at the Pentagon and various Army medical centers.
Lieutenant General Jody Daniels made significant contributions to the U.S. Army Reserve. As the first woman to lead the Reserve, she has focused on modernizing the force and improving readiness. Currently retired, she was the 34th Chief of the U.S. Army Reserve as well as the 9th Commanding General of the Army Reserve Command.
Daniels has also championed initiatives to enhance diversity and inclusion within the Reserve, ensuring that it reflects the diversity of the nation it serves.
Captain Amy Bauernschmidt made history as the first woman to command a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. As the commanding officer of the USS Abraham Lincoln, she led a crew of thousands of sailors on deployments around the world. Bauernschmidt's leadership and expertise have set a new standard for naval excellence.
She began her career as a helicopter pilot, serving with the "Wolfpack" on the USS John Young and the "Warlords" on the USS Kitty Hawk. Bauernschmidt then became executive officer and later commanding officer of HSM-70, the "Spartans," aboard the USS George H.W. Bush. After completing nuclear power school in 2016, she became executive officer of the USS Abraham Lincoln. In 2019, she took command of the USS San Diego, and in 2021, she assumed command of the USS Abraham Lincoln.
Chief Master Sergeant JoAnne S. Bass is the first woman to hold the highest enlisted rank in the Air Force. As the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, she is the principal advisor to the Chief of Staff on enlisted matters.
Her first assignment was at Pope Air Force Base in North Carolina, followed by a position at the 17th Training Wing at Goodfellow Air Force Base in Texas. In 2011, while stationed at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, she was honored as Noncommissioned Officer of the Year. Throughout her career, Bass contributed to operations including Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. She was promoted to chief master sergeant on August 1, 2013, and became the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force on August 14, 2020. Bass retired in 2024.
Major General Diana M. Holland made history as the first female Commandant of Cadets at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. She is responsible for overseeing the development of future Army officers. Holland's leadership has emphasized the importance of character, integrity, and academic excellence.
Bass joined the U.S. Air Force in 1993, focusing on aviation resource management. She served at various bases, including Pope Air Force Base and Goodfellow Air Force Base. In 2011, she was named Noncommissioned Officer of the Year while stationed at Ramstein Air Base. Bass participated in major operations like Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. She was promoted to chief master sergeant in 2013 and became the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force in 2020. Bass retired in 2024, passing the role to CCM David A. Flosi.
Lieutenant General Lori Reynolds (Ret.) is a pioneer in the field of military information warfare. She served as the Deputy Commandant of Information for the Marine Corps, where she was instrumental in developing the Marine Corps' cyber capabilities.
Reynolds began her career in the U.S. Marine Corps as a communications officer, serving in various assignments, including with the 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton and the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing in Okinawa. She held leadership positions, such as Commanding Officer at Marine Corps Recruiting Station in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and the 9th Communication Battalion, where she deployed to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. She later retired in 2021.
