MS HC54

Commends and congratulates Zeita Merchant, a Jackson, Mississippi native and Lanier High School alumnus, on her promotion to Captain in the United States Coast Guard, making her the third African-American woman to achieve this rank in Coast Guard history.

Recognizes Merchant's 22+ years of active duty service beginning with her enrollment in the College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative at Tougaloo College in 1997 and her graduation from the first Officer Candidate School class at the Coast Guard Academy.

Highlights her advanced education including master's degrees in biology, quality systems management, and public administration, plus a doctoral degree in business administration, along with fellowships at Harvard Kennedy School and MIT.

Details her significant military accomplishments including commanding Marine Safety Unit Chicago as the first African-American female and first female officer to command a marine safety unit, and serving as one of only 30 Type 1 Incident Commanders in the Coast Guard.

Notes her community involvement with organizations focused on diversity, education, and gang intervention, and her numerous military honors including the Meritorious Service Medal, Coast Guard Commendation Medals, and the 2017 Captain David H. Jarvis Inspirational Leadership Award.