This week we celebrate a significant moment for the trans community in the military as Dr. Rachel Levine becomes the very first transgender four-star officer across all eight uniformed service branches.  Admiral Levine will also be the first female four-star admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, and will lead an organization of over 6,000 officers.

The U.S. Surgeon General, Vice Admiral Vivek Murthy, the operational head of the corps, said of Admiral Levine: “Her appointment represents an important step towards a more inclusive future, and her service will undoubtedly advance the USPHS Commissioned Corps’ mission to protect, promote, and advance the health and safety of our nation.”  Read more about this historic appointment here.