Since the days of John Paul Jones and the American Revolution, the top job in the U.S. Navy has gone to a man, but that will change if President Biden’s pick to become the service’s top uniformed leader is confirmed.
The White House announced on Friday that President Biden intends to nominate Adm. Lisa Franchetti to become the Navy’s highest-ranking officer following the retirement of Adm. Michael M. Gilday this summer.
Lloyd J. Austin III, the secretary of defense, said he was proud that Admiral Franchetti had been selected to be the first woman to lead the Navy and to serve as a permanent member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
“She will continue to inspire all of us,” Mr. Austin said in a statement.
Currently the Navy’s vice chief, Admiral Franchetti will serve in an acting role as the Navy’s top officer, awaiting confirmation by the Senate — a process that Senator Tommy Tuberville, Republican of Alabama, has blocked for hundreds of admirals and generals in an attempt to force the Pentagon to drop a policy offering time off and travel reimbursement to service members who need to go out of state for abortions.
Persons:
John Paul Jones, Biden’s, Biden, Lisa Franchetti, Michael M, Lloyd J, Austin III, Franchetti, “, ” Mr, Austin, Admiral Franchetti, Tommy Tuberville
Organizations:
American, U.S . Navy, White, Joint Chiefs, Staff, Senate, Republican, Pentagon
Locations:
Alabama