US President Joe Biden has made a groundbreaking decision, selecting Admiral Lisa Franchetti as the nominee for the Navy’s top officer position. If confirmed, Admiral Franchetti will create history by becoming the first woman to hold this prestigious position in the US Navy’s long and storied history. Moreover, her nomination will mark another significant milestone as the first woman to join the esteemed Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Admiral Franchetti’s impressive career trajectory, currently serving as vice chief of naval operations, reflects her exceptional credentials and experience. With a commission dating back to 1985, she has excelled in various pivotal roles, including commanding US Naval Forces Korea, serving as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Development, and directing Strategy, Plans, and Policy of the Joint Staff, as outlined in her official biography. Her commanding leadership has extended to two carrier strike groups, and she took up the role of Vice CNO in September 2022.
President Biden expressed unwavering confidence in Admiral Lisa Franchetti’s appointment, acknowledging her outstanding 38-year tenure as a commissioned officer, during which she has also served as Vice Chief of Naval Operations. The President commended her unwavering dedication to serving the nation and her remarkable expertise in both operational and policy matters.
Her exceptional achievements are further evidenced by her prestigious rank as a four-star admiral, making her only the second woman in the history of the United States Navy to reach this notable position, as emphasized by President Biden.
Upon her confirmation, Admiral Franchetti will carve her name in history once again, this time as the first woman to take on the distinguished role of Chief of Naval Operations and become a member of the esteemed Joint Chiefs of Staff, marking an extraordinary milestone for gender representation in the military, as highlighted by the US president.
The announcement on July 21 also included other significant nominations for key military positions. Vice Adm. James Kilby, currently the deputy commander of US Fleet Forces Command, has been nominated as the next Vice Chief of Naval Operations. Additionally, Adm. Samuel Paparo, the commander of US Pacific Fleet, has been nominated to lead US forces in the Pacific as the commander of Indo-Pacific Command. Furthermore, Vice Adm. Stephen “Web” Koehler has been nominated to succeed Adm. Paparo as commander of the US Pacific Fleet.
US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin praised the nominations, expressing confidence that each of the admirals will play a crucial role in maintaining the US Navy and the joint force in the Indo-Pacific as a formidable military power. Their leadership will be instrumental in projecting power globally, safeguarding freedom of the seas, and upholding the rules-based international order.
Notably, Admiral Franchetti’s nomination adds to the remarkable progress in the Biden administration’s Defence Department. With the first Black secretary of defence and the first female Army secretary, Christine Wormuth, already serving, her potential confirmation will further reinforce the administration’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity.Historic Appointment: Admiral Lisa Franchetti Nominated as First Woman Chief of Naval Operations by President Biden