Breaking Barriers – President Biden Nominates Admiral Franchetti for Navy’s Top Position

Admiral Lisa Franchetti is Obama’s Navy chief nominee. CNN reported that she would be the first woman to command a US ship and serve on the Joint Chiefs. Biden acknowledged Franchetti’s 38 years as a commissioned officer, including as Vice Chief of Naval Operations, in his naming proclamation. She was “fully capable” of running the operation, he claimed. She has 46 years of service, second only to admiral Wesley Jones’ 46 years.

Franchetti has led guided missile destroyers, destroyer squadrons, and two carrier strike groups. She led US navy troops in Europe and Africa and was deputy head of naval operations for warfighting development.

Senator Tommy Tuberville has delayed more than 200 senior military appointments, which might complicate Franchetti’s Senate confirmation. He wants lengthy nominating pipelines to protest the Pentagon’s decision to enable troops to make abortion appointments through administrative vacations and travel allowances. That method might delay nominee approval, potentially delaying the Navy command transfer.

President Biden chastised Tuberville. He said they served no purpose and could put national security at risk in rapidly changing security environments that require Senate action on legislation to ensure Congress retains powers to protect the US Armed Forces’ reputation as the world’s greatest fighting force.

She would succeed Admiral Mike Gilday as Navy chief next month if confirmed by the Senate. If Franchetti isn’t confirmed by then, she leads the Navy as Gilday’s deputy.

General Eric Smith’s Marine Corps nomination complements these modifications. Since July 10, he has acted.

For continuity and efficiency in the nation’s defense forces, the Senate must act quickly on military nominees like Chief of Staff of the Army General James McConville and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley, who are leaving office in the coming months.