Three US Military Services Operate Without Confirmed Chiefs, Chief of Naval Operations Included

Adm. Mike Gilday, the Chief of Naval Operations, relinquished his position without a successor officially approved by the Senate (Photo: The Guardian Nigeria

Promotions of Military Officers, Including Chief of Naval Operations, Put on Hold

According to the article published from Daily Bulletin, another US military service leader has left their position without a Senate-confirmed replacement, resulting in an unprecedented situation in the Defense Department – three services without confirmed senior officers. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday stepped down on Monday. Adm. Lisa Franchetti, his nominated successor, is one of over 300 military officers whose promotions are held up by Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s protest against Pentagon reproductive health policies.

Franchetti is set to assume the role of acting Chief of Naval Operations until her Senate confirmation. This circumstance comes after the recent retirements of Gen. James McConville, the former Army Chief of Staff, on August 4, and David Berger, the former Marine Corps Commandant, last month.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed during Gilday’s relinquishment ceremony that, for the very first time in the history of the Department of Defense, three of the military services are functioning without leaders confirmed by the Senate, due to a broad hold. He labeled this situation as unparalleled, unnecessary, and posing risks.

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Franchetti Set to Make History as First Woman in CNO Seat and Joint Chiefs of Staff

According to an article from CNN, Admiral Lisa Franchetti’s incredible journey gains strength as President Joe Biden selects her to lead the Navy as the Chief of Naval Operations. Pending confirmation, she is on track to break barriers as the Navy’s first woman to take on this important role, marking a historic step forward.

Franchetti, currently the vice chief of naval operations, joined the military in 1985. She has held various key roles, including leading US Naval Forces Korea and serving as deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Development. Additionally, she has commanded carrier strike groups and became Vice CNO in September 2022.

President Biden stated, “Admiral Lisa Franchetti, our next Chief of Naval Operations, brings 38 years of dedicated service, including as Vice Chief of Naval Operations.” He highlighted her expertise in both operational and policy areas. She’s the second woman to attain the rank of four-star admiral in the US Navy. Once confirmed, she’ll make history again as the first woman to head the Chief of Naval Operations and serve on the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

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