PA's Rachel Levine Named Nation's 1st Transgender 4-Star Admiral

PENNSYLVANIA — Throughout the pandemic, Dr. Rachel Levine was lauded by supporters as a quiet yet firm voice of authority and reassurance as the Pennsylvania secretary of health. But there's nothing understated about her latest achievement.

She first made history as the first transgender U.S. Senate-confirmed candidate for a federal position when she was named assistant secretary for health in President Joe Biden's administration. On Tuesday, she made history again as she was named an admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.

"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," she said in a statement posted to social media. "I promise to uphold that trust to the fullest extent of my abilities."

Never before has a transgender person achieved a four-star rank across any of the country's eight uniformed service branches.

In her role, Levine will lead some 6,000 officials across the nation who respond to public health emergencies.

Levine said in a statement that she was "so humbled" by the appointment.

"This is a momentous occasion and I am pleased to take this role for the impact I can make, and for the historic nature of what it symbolizes," she added. "May this appointment be the first of many like it as we create a more inclusive future."

Levine was praised by numerous other national leaders, including U.S. Surgeon General and Vice Admiral Vivek Murthy.

"I’m so grateful to work alongside a kind, principled leader like Admiral Levine," Murthy said in a statement. "Her service will undoubtedly advance the USPHS Commissioned Corps’ mission to protect, promote, and advance the health and safety of our nation.”

The full swearing-in ceremony can be watched below: