Title: President Biden to Nominate First Woman as Top Leader in U.S. Navy
Subtitle: Adm. Lisa Franchetti poised to break barriers and serve as a permanent member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Since the days of John Paul Jones and the American Revolution, the role of the highest-ranking officer in the U.S. Navy has been filled by men. However, that tradition is set to change with President Biden’s recent announcement. Adm. Lisa Franchetti has been selected as President Biden’s nominee to become the Navy’s top uniformed leader, following the retirement of current leader, Adm. Michael M. Gilday, this summer.
The historic announcement made by the White House on Friday marks a significant step towards gender equality in the military. If confirmed, Admiral Franchetti would become the first woman ever to hold this esteemed position in the Navy and serve as a permanent member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Expressing pride in Admiral Franchetti’s selection, Lloyd J. Austin III, the secretary of defense, acknowledged the importance of her appointment. He stated, “She will continue to inspire all of us.”
Currently serving as the Navy’s vice chief, Admiral Franchetti will temporarily assume the role of the Navy’s top officer until she is confirmed by the Senate. However, Senator Tommy Tuberville, Republican of Alabama, has blocked the confirmation process for numerous admiral and general nominees in an attempt to challenge a Pentagon policy regarding time off and travel reimbursement for service members seeking out-of-state abortions.
The nomination of Admiral Franchetti is based on her extensive operational and policy experience, as stated by the White House. Her career trajectory reflects the progression of women’s opportunities in the Navy, with Admiral Franchetti joining the fleet in 1985, a time when women were often limited to auxiliary ships.
Throughout her career, Admiral Franchetti has broken barriers, serving aboard various destroyers and commanding the U.S.S. Ross and a squadron. She later commanded two different aircraft carrier strike groups and the U.S. Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean.
Before assuming her current position as the Navy’s No. 2 officer, Admiral Franchetti served as the director for strategy, plans, and policy at the Joint Staff, where increasing diversity became a priority.
Notably, Admiral Franchetti’s nomination would mark the second woman to lead a branch of the armed forces, following Adm. Linda L. Fagan, who became the commandant of the Coast Guard in June 2022. However, Admiral Franchetti’s appointment as a permanent member of the Joint Chiefs distinguishes her as the first female officer to hold such a position.
As the nomination awaits confirmation, the appointment of Admiral Franchetti represents a significant milestone in the Navy’s history. It not only paves the way for future generations of women in the military, but also showcases the commitment of President Biden’s administration towards diversity and equality within the armed forces.