Lt. Cmdr. Zeita Merchant, the executive officer of Marine Safety Unit Texas City, sits on the edge of her desk thinking about all of the women who have given her guidance over the years, March 6, 2013. Merchant is one of a handful of African-American females who hold a command cadre position in the U.S. Coast Guard. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Richard Brahm)