Rachel Levine was sworn in Tuesday as the admiral of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, making her the nation's first openly transgender four-star officer.
In a ceremony posted online by Levine, who serves as assistant secretary of health for the Department of Health and Human Services, the swearing in begins at the 6:12-minute mark.
Levine made history in March when she became the first openly transgender federal official to be confirmed by the Senate.
She now serves as the highest-ranking official in the USPHS Commissioned Corps and its first-ever female four-star admiral.
"She is a highly accomplished pediatrician who helps drive our agency’s agenda to boost health access and equity and to strengthen behavioral health," HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a statement, Axios reported.
"She is a cherished and critical partner in our work to build a healthier America."
Levine, at the ceremony, also acknowledged the history-making moment.
“This is a momentous occasion, and I am both humbled and pleased to take this role for the impact I can make, and for the historic nature of what it symbolizes," Levine said at the ceremony.
"May this appointment be the first of many like it as we create a more inclusive future," Levine added.
Fran Beyer ✉
Fran Beyer is a writer with Newsmax and covers national politics.
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