President Joe Biden unveiled his nomination of Adm. Lisa Franchetti to take the helm of the Navy in a shock move unexpected by Pentagon officials.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had tapped Adm. Samuel Paparo for the top job. He currently oversees the Navy’s operations in the Pacific and has significant experience dealing with the complexities of China’s growing influence.
Mr. Biden’s nomination of Adm. Franchetti would make her the first woman to lead the service and join the prestigious ranks of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
“Throughout her career, Admiral Franchetti has demonstrated extensive expertise in both the operational and policy arenas,” Mr. Biden said.
Acknowledging Adm. Franchetti’s distinguished 38-year career, Mr. Biden lauded her expertise in both operational and policy realms. Adm. Franchetti has previously achieved the feat of becoming the second woman in U.S. Navy history to attain the rank of four-star admiral.
Adm. Franchetti currently serves as the vice chief of operations for the Navy. Her track record includes her tenure as commander of U.S. Naval Forces Korea.
The Navy has witnessed a progressive trend under Mr. Biden’s leadership, with Adm. Linda Fagan’s appointment as the first female commanding officer of the U.S. Coast Guard last year. However, the Coast Guard notably operates under the Department of Homeland Security, not the Department of Defense like the Navy.
“I’m very proud that Admiral Franchetti has been nominated to be the first woman Chief of Naval Operations and member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, where she will continue to inspire all of us,” said Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in a statement.
“If confirmed, these nominees will ensure that our U.S. Navy and the joint force in the Indo-Pacific remain the finest military force that the world has ever known, and will be at the very heart of our work to project power around the world, defend freedom of the seas, and uphold the rules-based international order.”
In tandem with Adm. Franchetti’s nomination, Mr. Biden also elevated Adm. Paparo, selecting him to command all U.S. military forces in the Pacific. Furthermore, Vice Admiral Stephen “Web” Koehler has been chosen to succeed Adm. Paparo as commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, cementing a series of significant changes within the Navy’s top ranks.
“I have seen firsthand how these highly-qualified officers have contributed to our national security,” Mr. Austin said.
Biden Criticizes Tuberville’s Blockade
U.S. military nominations have been blocked for months by Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) in protest of a Defense Department policy that provides reimbursement for service members who travel to receive abortion services.The process of senior military nominations, which typically undergoes a routine review and approval by the Senate, has now been disrupted. As a result of Mr. Tuberville’s blockade, each nomination now requires individual consideration, leading to a time-consuming process.
Critics of his move say this block could have wide-ranging effects on the armed forces, affecting troops, their families, and military talent retention.
Mr. Biden expressed concern over its impact on national security and the military’s effectiveness. The situation raises critical questions about defense and leadership implications moving forward.
“What Senator Tuberville is doing is not only wrong—it is dangerous,” Mr. Biden said in the statement.
“He is risking our ability to ensure that the United States Armed Forces remain the greatest fighting force in the history of the world. And his Republican colleagues in the Senate know it,” he said.
