President Joe Biden has chosen Admiral Lisa Franchetti to be his next chief of naval operations, the AP reports, an unprecedented choice. If confirmed, she would be the first woman to command a Pentagon service and the first female member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Biden’s decision goes against the recommendation of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. However, Franchetti, currently the Vice Chief of Naval Operations, is considered by insiders to be the top choice for the position.
Admiral Lisa Franchetti meets with leadership at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in November 2022 in Kittery, Maine.
In a July 21 announcement, Mr. Biden noted the historic significance of choosing Ms. Franchetti and said that "throughout her career, Admiral Franchetti has demonstrated deep expertise in both operations and policy."
A senior administration official said Mr. Biden selected Franchetti based on her broad range of experience at sea and on land, including several high-level administrative and policy jobs.
Secretary Austin had previously recommended that Biden pick Admiral Samuel Paparo, the current commander of the Pacific Fleet. Biden did not endorse the proposal, instead nominating Paparo to lead the US Indo-Pacific Command.
Franchetti is expected to take over as acting Navy chief starting next month, following the planned retirement of Admiral Michael Gilday.
Franchetti's nomination is currently on hold after Alabama Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville blocked military promotions to force the Pentagon to change its abortion policy. Biden criticized Tuberville, saying he "prioritized a domestic political agenda over military readiness."
President Biden also said he would nominate Vice Admiral James Kilby as deputy chief of naval operations and name Vice Admiral Stephen Koehler to head the Pacific Fleet.
Reuters reported that President Biden on July 21 appointed Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director William Burns to his cabinet. According to the plan, Mr. Burns will be one of Mr. Biden's closest advisers on foreign policy and national security.
Reuters quoted Bonnie Glaser, director of the Indo-Pacific program at the German Marshall Fund (USA), saying that the appointment reflects Mr. Biden's trust in Mr. Burns and his experience in relations with Russia and China.
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