Dr. Rachel Levine makes history as the nation's first openly transgender four-star admiral

Assistant Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine made United States history Tuesday as the first openly transgender four-star officer in any of the nation's eight uniformed services, the Department of Health and Human Services announced. The former pediatrician's appointment also made her the nation's first female four-star admiral in history. 

"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," Levine said Tuesday in a statement. "May this appointment be the first of many like it as we create a more inclusive future."

Levine was sworn in as a four-star admiral at a ceremony Tuesday, making her the highest ranking official in the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, according to the HHS. Levine will lead the department's 6,000 Public Health Service officers, respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and "build a stronger foundation for a healthier future," the HHS said.