Washington - President Joe Biden made a historic announcement on Friday, revealing his nomination of Admiral Lisa Franchetti to lead the US Navy. If confirmed, she would become the first woman to hold this prestigious position and serve on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. With an impressive 38-year career as a commissioned officer, Admiral Franchetti currently serves as the Vice Chief of Naval Operations.
Her accomplishments already include being the second woman ever to attain the rank of four-star admiral in the US Navy. President Biden praised her exceptional track record and stated that she would make history again as the first woman to assume the roles of Chief of Naval Operations and Joint Chiefs of Staff member.
Admiral Franchetti's extensive experience spans various roles on surface vessels, commanding a guided missile destroyer, a destroyer squadron, and two carrier strike groups. She has also served as the deputy commander of US naval forces in Europe and Africa, as well as the deputy chief of naval operations for warfighting development, before being appointed as the Vice Chief of Naval Operations in September 2022.
However, the confirmation process is facing potential delays due to Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville's actions. He has stalled over 200 senior military nominations in protest of the Pentagon's decision to provide assistance to troops seeking reproductive health care, including abortions, in cases where it is not available at their stationed locations.
President Biden expressed concern over the delay, emphasizing that it poses a risk to the nation's security amidst rapidly changing security environments and heightened competition. If Admiral Franchetti's confirmation is not completed before the departure of current Navy head Admiral Mike Gilday, she would take over as his deputy in an interim capacity, mirroring the current situation in the Marine Corps.
Other top officers, such as General James McConville, Chief of Staff of the Army, and General Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, are also expected to leave their positions in the coming months.