(CNN) — The commandant of the US Coast Guard has been removed from her position over “leadership deficiencies” and “operational failures,” a Department of Homeland Security official confirmed to CNN on Tuesday.
In a list of reasons “supporting her immediate removal,” the official cited Adm. Linda Fagan’s “failure to address border security threats” and “excessive focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion policies.” Additionally, the official said the Coast Guard suffered “significant shortfalls in recruiting personnel” under Fagan’s leadership. But the Coast Guard actually met — and in certain areas exceeded — its recruiting goals for the first time in 6 yearsin October.
The list also cites the “mishandling” and “coverup” of Operation Fouled Anchor, a secret internal Coast Guard investigation that substantiated dozens of rapes and assault allegations at the agency from the late 1980s to 2006, CNN has reported.
Fagan has said she only learned of the “totality” of the so-called Fouled Anchor probe when CNN inquired …