The Navy’s new top officer is the first female Chief of Naval Operations

On November 2, 2023, the U.S. Senate confirmed Adm. Lisa Franchetti as the 33rd Chief of Naval Operations. With her confirmation, Franchetti became the first woman to hold the position as the Navy’s top officer. Moreover, she is the first woman to serve in the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Prior to her confirmation, Franchetti served as the Vice Chief of Naval Operations and functionally served as CNO in an acting capacity.

A native of Rochester, NY, Franchetti commissioned in 1985 through Northwestern University’s Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps; she received a Bachelor of Science in Journalism. This also makes Franchetti the first CNO to commission through ROTC. She also attended the Naval War College and received a Master's degree in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix.

A Surface Warfare Officer by trade, Franchetti served aboard the USS Shenandoah (AD-44), USS Monongahela (AO-178), USS Moosbrugger (DD-980), USS Stout (DDG-55), and USS Ross (DDG-71). She served as the Executive Officer and the Commander of the Stout and Ross, respectively. Franchetti’s commands also include DESRON-21, embarked on USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74), and Pacific Partnership 2010, embarked on USNS Mercy (T-AH-19).

As a Flag Officer, Franchetti’s commands include U.S. Naval Forces Korea, Carrier Strike Group 9, Carrier Strike Group 15, and U.S. 6th Fleet, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO. She assumed the duties as Vice Chief of Naval Operations on September 2, 2022. Franchetti’s awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal (two stars), Legion of Merit (five awards), Meritorious Service Medal (five awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards).