Former PA Health Sec. Dr. Rachel Levine Becomes First Openly Transgender 4-Star Admiral

This new status makes Levine the first openly transgender four-star officer across any of the uniformed services of the United States. 

Levine formerly served as the Pennsylvania health secretary under Gov. Tom Wolf from 2017 until she started her new role in President Joe Biden's administration in 2021.

When Levine became the U.S. Assistant Secretary for Health she became the top ranking officer of the USPHS Commissioned Corps.

The corps includes 6,000 officers that serve vulnerable and underserved groups. 

The 63-year-old Harvard alumnus is also the first female officer to lead the corps.

“This is a momentous occasion and I am honored to take this role for the impact I can make, and for the historic nature of what it symbolizes,” Levine said Tuesday.

“May this appointment be the first of many like it as we create a more inclusive future.”

“The time is now for our country to continue to move the bar forward for diversity and I am proud to wear this uniform and answer that call,” Levine said.

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