Rachel Levine was sworn in on Tuesday as the admiral of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, making her the nation's first openly transgender four-star officer, the Department of Health and Human Services said.
The big picture: Levine, the assistant secretary for health, made history in March when she became the first openly transgender federal official to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
- The U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps responds to health emergencies on behalf of the federal government, including administering COVID-19 vaccines and responding to natural disasters, such as hurricanes.
- Levine is also the organization's first female four-star admiral and the sixth four-star admiral in the history of the service, per the Washington Post.
I am deeply honored & grateful to join the ranks of men & women across this great nation who have committed to defend the United States against small & large threats, known and unknown. I promise to uphold that trust to the fullest extent of my abilities. https://t.co/ryfwRqbAoz
— Dr. Rachel Levine (@HHS_ASH) October 19, 2021
What they're saying: In an interview, Levine said that her new position as an admiral was "not just symbolic," per the Post.
- "I’m doing this because of my dedication to service … [and] with the utmost respect and honor for the uniform that I will be wearing," Levine said.
- "Admiral Levine’s historic appointment as the first openly transgender four-star officer is a giant step forward toward equality as a nation," HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a statement.
Go deeper: Rachel Levine becomes first transgender official confirmed by Senate
