President Joe Biden has announced plans to nominate Adm. Lisa Franchetti to serve as the next chief of naval operations and Vice Adm. James Kilby to the vice CNO role.
Franchetti, a surface warfare officer, is vice chief of naval operations and would become the first female CNO to serve on the Joint Chiefs of Staff if confirmed by the Senate, the White House said Friday.
She previously served as commander of the U.S. Sixth Fleet; director for strategy, plans and policy for the Joint Chiefs of Staff; commander of U.S. Naval Forces Korea; head of Carrier Strike Group 9; and commander of Carrier Strike Group 15.
If confirmed, Franchetti would succeed Adm. Mike Gilday, whose four-year term as CNO ends in August.
Kilby is deputy commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command and would take over Franchetti’s responsibilities as vice CNO once he receives Senate confirmation.
He previously served as deputy CNO for warfighting requirements and capabilities, N-9, office of the CNO and as commander of the Carl Vinson Strike Group.
The U.S. Naval Academy graduate established the Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center.
