Who was the first enlisted woman assigned as Officer-in-Charge ashore?

• A. Krystine Carbajal
• B. Dianne Bucci
• C. Sonia Colon
• D. Pamela Autry

Answer: (A)

Recognizing a historic milestone in women's leadership opportunities within the Coast Guard. An Officer-in-Charge ashore is the person responsible for the day-to-day operations and mission readiness of a shore-based unit, a role historically filled by commissioned officers. Krystine Carbajal earned the distinction of being the first enlisted woman assigned as Officer-in-Charge ashore, marking a breakthrough in allowing enlisted personnel to lead at that level on land. This milestone shows how the Coast Guard expanded pathways for women to take on high-responsibility leadership roles beyond the traditional officer track. The other names are associated with notable contributions in Coast Guard history, but this specific achievement—being the first enlisted woman to serve as Officer-in-Charge ashore—belongs to Carbajal.