Hubbry Logo
Lisa FranchettiLisa FranchettiMain
Open search
Lisa Franchetti
Community hub
Lisa Franchetti
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Lisa Franchetti
Lisa Franchetti
Lisa Franchetti
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Lisa Marie Franchetti (/fræn.kˈɛti/ fran-KEH-ti; born 25 April 1964)[1] is a retired United States Navy admiral who served as the 33rd[2] chief of naval operations from 2 November 2023 to 21 February 2025.[3][4][5] after being fired by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. She was the first woman to be chief of naval operations, and the first woman to serve on the Joint Chiefs of Staff.[3] She was also the first chief of naval operations to be relieved of command.

Key Information

Before this she most recently served as the 42nd vice chief of naval operations from September 2022 to November 2023[6] and as acting chief of naval operations (CNO) from August to November 2023.[7][8]

A surface warfare officer, Franchetti previously served as director for strategy, plans, and policy of the Joint Staff (J5) from 2020 to 2022,[9] the second deputy chief of naval operations for warfighting development in 2020,[10] and commander of the United States Sixth Fleet from 2018 to 2020.[11] She has also commanded carrier strike groups and U.S. Naval Forces Korea during her career. She was the second woman promoted to four-star admiral in the United States Navy.[12] She was also the second female vice chief of naval operations in the history of the Navy.

Early life

[edit]

Franchetti, who is of Italian heritage,[13] was born on 25 April 1964, in Rochester, New York.[14] She attended Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism[15] in Evanston, Illinois. While at Northwestern, she was a coxswain on the crew and joined the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Program. She was commissioned in 1985.

Further education

[edit]

Franchetti has a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Medill at Northwestern University (1985),[16] a Master of Arts in national security and strategic studies from the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, and a master's degree in organizational management from the University of Phoenix. She was also awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters by Northwestern University in June 2025.[17][18]

[edit]
Franchetti is sworn in as the 33rd chief of naval operations on 2 November 2023

Franchetti's operational assignments have included auxiliaries officer and first division officer in USS Shenandoah (AD-44), navigator and jumboization coordinator in USS Monongahela (AO-178), operations officer in USS Moosbrugger (DD-980), combat systems officer and chief staff officer for Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 2, executive officer of USS Stout (DDG-55), and assistant surface operations officer on the USS George Washington Carrier Strike Group staff. She commanded USS Ross (DDG-71) and Destroyer Squadron 21, embarked in USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74). She also served as commander of Pacific Partnership 2010, embarked in USNS Mercy (T-AH-19).

Ashore, she has been assigned as commander of United States Naval Reserve Center Central Point, Oregon; aide to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations; protocol officer for the commander of United States Atlantic Fleet; 4th Battalion officer at the United States Naval Academy; division chief of Joint Concept Development and Experimentation on the Joint Staff, J7; deputy director of International Engagement and executive assistant to N3/N5 on the Navy staff; and military assistant to the Secretary of the Navy.

Since promotion to flag rank, Franchetti has held appointments as commander of United States Naval Forces Korea;[19][20] commander Carrier Strike Group 9; commander of Carrier Strike Group 15; chief of staff, Joint Staff, J-5, Strategy, Plans and Policy; commander of United States Sixth Fleet,[21] Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO; deputy commander, United States Naval Forces Europe; deputy commander of United States Naval Forces Africa; and joint force maritime component commander[clarification needed]

During her time as commander of the U.S. Sixth Fleet, based in Italy, Franchetti oversaw the first-ever use of Tomahawk missiles launched by a Virginia-class submarine.[22] The missiles were fired from USS John Warner at targets in Syria.

On 6 May 2020, Franchetti was nominated as deputy chief of naval operations for Warfighting development (OPNAV N7), while keeping her other roles.[23]

In April 2022, Franchetti was nominated for promotion to admiral and appointment as Vice Chief of Naval Operations.[24][25] The Senate confirmed her promotion in May 2022.[24] She assumed the position on 2 September 2022.[6]

On 21 July 2023, President Biden nominated her to replace Michael M. Gilday as chief of naval operations (CNO). On August 14, 2023, upon Gilday's retirement, Franchetti became acting CNO.[26][8] Franchetti was confirmed by the Senate to become the CNO on 2 November 2023, and was sworn in on the same day, becoming the first female CNO and, due to having that position,[27] the first woman on the Joint Chiefs of Staff.[3][4][28][29]

In February 2025, Franchetti faced an uncertain future as reports circulated that she would be removed from her position as the 33rd Chief of Naval Operations by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.[30] On 21 February 2025, she was officially relieved of her position by Hegseth,[5] and retired from the Navy in April 2025 after over 40 years of service.[31][32]

Personal life

[edit]

Franchetti is married to James Sievert and has one child.[20] She enjoys running for relaxation and exercise.[22]

In June 2024, after a routine mammogram screening, the 60-year-old admiral was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. When she underwent outpatient surgery in July 2024, she temporarily transferred her authority to the vice chief of naval operations, Adm. James Kilby. She completed radiation therapy and in September 2024 began maintenance endocrine therapy.[33]

"I am grateful for my wonderful team of doctors at John P. Murtha Cancer Center for their excellent care and their development of a treatment plan that allows me to continue leading the world's greatest Navy", Franchetti said in a statement. "I am blessed that this was detected early and will forever be an advocate for early and routine screening".[34]

Awards and decorations

[edit]
Bronze oak leaf cluster
Gold star
Gold star
Gold star
Gold star
Silver star
Gold star
Gold star
Gold star
Gold star
Bronze oak leaf cluster
Bronze oak leaf cluster
Bronze star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Joint Chiefs of Staff Badge
Surface Warfare Officer Pin
Defense Distinguished Service Medal Navy Distinguished Service Medal Defense Superior Service Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster
Legion of Merit with four gold award stars Meritorious Service Medal with silver award star Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with three award stars
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with award star Joint Meritorious Unit Award with two oak leaf clusters Navy Unit Commendation
Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation with three bronze service star Navy E Ribbon with three Battle E devices National Defense Service Medal with service star
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Korea Defense Service Medal Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with two service stars Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon
Special Operations Service Ribbon Order of National Security Merit, Cheonsu Medal (Republic of Korea)[35] Navy Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon
Command at Sea insignia

[36]

  1. ^ Register of Commissioned and Warrant Officers of the United States Navy on Active Duty. Bureau of Naval Personnel. October 1, 1990. p. 401. Retrieved June 14, 2021.
  2. ^ "Senate Confirms Franchetti to be Next Chief of Naval Operations - USNI News". November 2, 2023.
  3. ^ a b c Ziezulewicz, Geoff (November 2, 2023). "Senate finally confirms Adm. Franchetti as Navy's top officer". Defense News. Archived from the original on September 26, 2024. Retrieved November 2, 2023.
  4. ^ a b "SECNAV Del Toro Statement on the Swearing-In of Adm. Lisa Franchetti as 33rd Chief of Naval Operations". DVIDS. Washington, D. C.: Office of the Secretary of the Navy. November 2, 2023. Retrieved November 3, 2023.
  5. ^ a b Ismay, John (February 22, 2025). "Pete Hegseth Fires Adm. Lisa Franchetti, Navy's Top Officer". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved February 22, 2025.
  6. ^ a b "Admiral Lisa M. Franchetti". U.S. Navy. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
  7. ^ Stewart, Phil; Holland, Steve; Stewart, Phil (July 21, 2023). "Biden nominates Admiral Lisa Franchetti to be first woman to lead US Navy". Reuters. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
  8. ^ a b "Webcast: Austin Hosts Chief of Naval Operations Relinquishment of Office". DVIDS. August 14, 2023. Retrieved August 14, 2023.
  9. ^ "Vice Adm. Franchetti Nominated for Joint Staff Role After Brief Time at N7". September 11, 2020.
  10. ^ "VADM Black Takes Command at U.S. 6th Fleet; Franchetti Headed to OPNAV N7". July 2020.
  11. ^ Vice Admiral Lisa M. Franchetti Archived 18 September 2019 at the Wayback Machine, biography, United States Navy. Retrieved 8 October 2018
  12. ^ LaGrone, Sam (April 26, 2022). "Franchetti Tapped for VCNO; 3rd Fleet Koehler to Joint Staff, Cheeseman to CNP". USNI News. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
  13. ^ "Chief of Naval Operations Inducted into Rhode Island Italian American Hall of Fame".
  14. ^ "Who is Lisa Franchetti, the first woman to lead US navy". The Times of India. November 3, 2023.
  15. ^ Lisa Franchetti, Northwestern University alumni. Retrieved 8 October 2018
  16. ^ University, Medill-Northwestern. "Lisa Franchetti - Medill - Northwestern University". www.medill.northwestern.edu. Retrieved February 23, 2025.
  17. ^ University, Northwestern. "Lisa Franchetti - 2025 Commencement - Northwestern University" (PDF). www.northwestern.edu. Retrieved June 15, 2025.
  18. ^ "Four leaders in their fields will be honored during Northwestern commencement". news.northwestern.edu. Retrieved June 16, 2025.
  19. ^ Navy in South Korea getting first female commander, Jon Rabiroff, Stars and Stripes, 2013-05-29. Retrieved 8 October 2018
  20. ^ a b U.S. Navy-ROK Star, Terry Stephan, "Northwestern" magazine, Spring 2015, Northwestern University. Retrieved 8 October 2018
  21. ^ Rear Adm. Lisa Franchetti Nominated to Lead U.S. 6th Fleet, Ben Werner, US Naval Institute, 2017-10-31. Retrieved 8 October 2018
  22. ^ a b Eckstein, Megan; Ziezulewicz, Geoff (July 21, 2023). "How Franchetti's experience made her Biden's pick to lead the Navy". Navy Times. Archived from the original on September 26, 2024. Retrieved July 26, 2023.
  23. ^ Navy Announces New VCNO, Other Top Assignments, in First Notification Since Policy Reversal, 2020-05-06. Retrieved 8 May 2020
  24. ^ a b "PN1982 - 1 nominee for Navy, 117th Congress (2021–2022)". Congress.gov. May 26, 2022. Retrieved June 15, 2022.
  25. ^ LaGrone, Sam (April 26, 2022). "Franchetti Tapped for VCNO; 3rd Fleet Koehler to Joint Staff, Cheeseman to CNP". USNI News. Retrieved April 27, 2022.
  26. ^ LaGrone, Sam (July 12, 2023). "VCNO Franchetti Set to be Interim Navy Head as White House Stays Silent on CNO Nominee". U.S. Naval Institute. USNI News. Retrieved July 26, 2023.
  27. ^ 10 U.S.C. § 151
  28. ^ Britzky, Haley; Liptak, Kevin (July 21, 2023). "Biden chooses Admiral Lisa Franchetti to become the first woman in US history to be top officer in the Navy". CNN. Retrieved July 21, 2023.
  29. ^ "Flag Officer Announcements". U.S. Department of Defense. July 27, 2023. Retrieved July 28, 2023.
  30. ^ Martinez, Luis; Seyler, Matt (February 20, 2025). "Joint Chiefs Chairman CQ Brown on list to be possibly removed by Hegseth". ABC News. Retrieved February 21, 2025.
  31. ^ "Flag Officer Biographies: Admiral Lisa Franchetti (Retired)". United States Navy. Retrieved April 2, 2025.
  32. ^ Beynon, Konstantin; Toropin, Steve (February 27, 2025). "No More Female 4-Stars: Franchetti Firing Leaves Top Ranks Filled by Men". Military.com.
  33. ^ Schogol, Jeff (September 20, 2024). "Navy's top admiral recently treated for breast cancer, service announces". Task & Purpose. Retrieved September 20, 2024.
  34. ^ Lagrone, Sam (September 20, 2024). "CNO Franchetti is Healthy After Treatment for Stage 1 Breast Cancer". U.S. Naval Institute.
  35. ^ "(LEAD) U.S. Navy willing to send ships to Jeju naval base". August 5, 2015.
  36. ^ Franchetti, Lisa. "No More Female 4-Stars: Franchetti Firing Leaves Top Ranks Filled by Men". Military.com. Military.com. Retrieved November 4, 2025.

This article incorporates public domain material from the United States Navy document "US Navy Biography: Vice Admiral Lisa M. Franchetti" (2018-03-07). Retrieved 2018-10-08.

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Lisa Franchetti

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Admiral Lisa M. Franchetti is a retired United States Navy officer who served as the 33rd Chief of Naval Operations from November 2023 to February 2025, the first woman to hold that position and to serve on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. A native of Rochester, New York, Franchetti graduated from Northwestern University in 1985 and received her commission through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps. Over a career spanning four decades, she held operational commands including the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Ross (DDG-71), Destroyer Squadron 21 embarked on the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74), two carrier strike groups, and the U.S. Sixth Fleet as commander of Joint Task Force 99 and Strike Force NATO. Her service earned her numerous decorations, including the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, two Navy Distinguished Service Medals, two Defense Superior Service Medals, and the Legion of Merit. Franchetti's nomination to CNO by President Biden faced delays from Senate holds related to military policy disputes but was confirmed by a 95-1 vote on November 2, 2023, followed by her swearing-in that day. Her tenure ended abruptly on February 21, 2025, when she was relieved of command by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth amid a series of leadership changes in the early days of the second Trump administration, alongside the removal of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General CQ Brown.

Early Life and Education

Family Background and Upbringing

Lisa Franchetti was born on April 25, 1964, in Rochester, New York. She grew up in Rochester as a native of the area, with limited public details available on her immediate family or specific childhood experiences beyond her early interest in journalism, which initially shaped her educational path. Franchetti's family bears the surname Franchetti, indicative of Italian ancestry, though comprehensive records on her parents or siblings remain undisclosed in official biographies.

Academic and Initial Training

Franchetti earned a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism in 1985. During her time at Northwestern, she participated in the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) program, which provided her commission as an ensign upon graduation. Following commissioning, Franchetti completed initial training as a surface warfare officer, qualifying for designation in that specialty. She later pursued advanced education, obtaining a Master of Science degree in organizational management from the University of Phoenix and graduating from the Naval War College.

Early Assignments and Commands

Franchetti's initial assignment following her 1985 commissioning was as training and special programs officer at Naval Reserve Readiness Command Region 13. Her early sea duties included serving as auxiliaries officer and first division officer aboard the destroyer tender USS Shenandoah (AD-44). She later reported to the dock landing ship USS Boulder (LSD-29) as navigator and jumboization coordinator, overseeing structural modifications to extend the vessel's service life. Subsequent assignments aboard the Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate USS Jarrett (FFG-33) encompassed roles as main propulsion assistant, combat systems officer, and operations officer, providing progressive leadership experience in engineering, weapons systems, and mission planning. Ashore, she commanded the Naval Reserve Center in Central Point, Oregon, and served as aide to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations, gaining exposure to high-level Navy policy and operations. Franchetti assumed her first command at sea in 2003 as commanding officer of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG-71), leading the ship through operational deployments and earning recognition for tactical proficiency during her approximately two-year tenure ending around 2005. She later commanded Destroyer Squadron 21 (DESRON-21), embarked aboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74), overseeing multiple surface combatants in integrated strike group operations. In this role, she also directed Pacific Partnership 2010, a multinational humanitarian assistance mission across the Indo-Pacific region. These commands highlighted her expertise in surface warfare and multinational coordination prior to her promotion to flag rank in 2016.

Operational Deployments

Franchetti served in operational roles across multiple U.S. numbered fleets prior to her promotion to flag rank, accumulating nearly 20 years of at-sea experience. Her assignments included deployments on replenishment ships and destroyers, contributing to maritime security and combat support operations in regions such as the Western Pacific and Persian Gulf. As commanding officer of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG-71) from 2003 to 2005, Franchetti led the ship in routine operations and exercises within the U.S. 2nd Fleet and European theater, focusing on maritime interdiction and presence missions in the Atlantic and Mediterranean approaches. The vessel, homeported in Norfolk, Virginia, at the time, supported NATO interoperability and freedom of navigation efforts during her tenure. Franchetti commanded Destroyer Squadron 21 from 2008 to 2010, embarked aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) during its 2009 deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility. The strike group conducted sustained operations in the Western Pacific, including joint exercises with allies, anti-submarine warfare training, and maritime security patrols amid rising tensions in the region. In 2010, she directed Pacific Partnership, a multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission embarked on the hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19), operating in Southeast Asia. The deployment involved medical outreach, infrastructure support, and training with partner nations in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia, enhancing regional cooperation and soft power projection in the Indo-Pacific.

Flag Officer Roles and Senior Commands

Key Leadership Positions

Franchetti assumed her first flag officer command as leader of Carrier Strike Group 15, a pre-commissioning unit responsible for integrating naval assets in the Pacific Fleet. She subsequently commanded Carrier Strike Group 9 until relinquishing command on June 2, 2016, during which the group conducted deployments supporting operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. From 2013 to 2015, Franchetti served as commander of U.S. Naval Forces Korea, overseeing bilateral exercises and maritime security cooperation with the Republic of Korea amid escalating North Korean missile launches and nuclear threats._after_131004-N-TB410-013.jpg) Promoted to vice admiral, Franchetti commanded U.S. Sixth Fleet and concurrently served as Commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO from early 2018 to July 1, 2020. In this role, she directed maritime operations across the European and African theaters, including freedom of navigation exercises in the Black Sea and responses to Russian naval assertiveness; notable actions included coordinating the April 2018 Tomahawk missile strikes from USS John Warner against Syrian chemical weapons sites. Her operational leadership extended to staff roles shaping joint and naval strategy, such as chief of staff for strategy and plans at U.S. Pacific Command and later as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfare Systems, where she influenced fleet modernization and integration of unmanned systems. These positions demonstrated her expertise in multi-domain operations prior to her elevation to Vice Chief of Naval Operations in September 2022.

Strategic Assignments

Franchetti served as commander of U.S. Naval Forces Korea from September 2013 to August 2015, overseeing naval component operations in the Korean Peninsula region as part of U.S. Forces Korea, with responsibilities including maritime security, deterrence against North Korean threats, and coordination with allied forces amid heightened tensions following North Korea's nuclear tests and missile launches. In this billet, she managed forward-deployed naval assets and joint exercises, emphasizing strategic posture in the Indo-Pacific theater. From approximately 2018 to July 2020, Franchetti commanded the U.S. Sixth Fleet, based in Naples, Italy, directing naval forces across the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea, and eastern Atlantic in support of U.S. European Command and NATO objectives. Her tenure involved strategic engagements such as freedom of navigation operations, countering Russian naval activities, and facilitating allied interoperability during operations like those responding to regional instability in Libya and Syria. In May 2020, Franchetti assumed the role of Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Development (N97), a position focused on integrating advanced warfighting concepts, force design, and capability development to enhance naval readiness for high-end conflict, though her time in the billet was brief, lasting until September 2020. This strategic assignment involved shaping Navy doctrine and experimentation amid evolving threats from peer competitors. Subsequently, from September 2020 to 2022, she served as Director for Strategy, Plans, and Policy (J-5) on the Joint Staff, advising the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on global strategic planning, alliance management, and policy integration across U.S. military theaters. In this capacity, Franchetti contributed to joint force posture reviews, particularly emphasizing deterrence in the Indo-Pacific and Europe, drawing on her prior fleet experience to inform multinational strategy and contingency planning.

Nomination and Confirmation as Chief of Naval Operations

Selection Process

President Joe Biden announced his intent to nominate Admiral Lisa Franchetti as the next Chief of Naval Operations on July 21, 2023, to succeed Admiral Michael Gilday upon the expiration of his four-year term later that year. At the time, Franchetti held the position of Vice Chief of Naval Operations, a role she had assumed on March 9, 2023, following her confirmation by the Senate earlier that year. The statutory process for selecting the Chief of Naval Operations, as outlined in 10 U.S.C. § 8033, requires the President to appoint an active-duty admiral subject to Senate confirmation, typically drawing from senior officers recommended through the Department of Defense chain, including input from the Secretary of the Navy and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Franchetti's elevation reflected her prior operational and leadership roles, including command of Destroyer Squadron 14, Carrier Strike Group Two aboard USS Abraham Lincoln, and U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa, which provided her with expertise in surface warfare, joint operations, and alliance integration. Biden's decision prioritized her demonstrated capabilities in these areas over other potential candidates, as stated in administration announcements emphasizing her strategic and warfighting background. No public shortlist of nominees was released, consistent with the opaque nature of senior military appointments, where internal deliberations by defense leadership inform the President's choice without detailed disclosure. The nomination positioned Franchetti to become the first woman in the role, though official statements centered on merit-based qualifications rather than demographic factors. Senate Armed Services Committee hearings commenced on September 14, 2023, to evaluate her reappointment to four-star admiral and assignment as CNO, marking the transition from selection to confirmation.

Senate Debates and Confirmation

Admiral Lisa M. Franchetti's nomination hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee occurred on September 14, 2023, where she addressed key operational challenges facing the Navy, including ship maintenance delays, fleet readiness, recruitment shortfalls, and strategic competition with China. Senators questioned her on plans to expand the fleet to 381 manned ships, improve submarine production timelines, and enhance sailor quality of life amid declining enlistment rates, with Franchetti emphasizing integrated deterrence and multi-domain operations as priorities. The confirmation process was significantly delayed by a hold placed by Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) on approximately 300 senior military nominations, including Franchetti's, in protest of the Department of Defense's policy allowing reimbursement for service members' travel for out-of-state abortions following the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision. This blockade, starting in May 2023, forced Franchetti to serve in an acting capacity as Chief of Naval Operations after Adm. Michael Gilday's retirement on August 14, 2023, exacerbating leadership vacuums and promotion delays across the services. Tuberville eventually released holds on several high-profile nominations in September 2023, but Franchetti's full confirmation remained pending until after further negotiations. The Senate confirmed Franchetti on November 2, 2023, in a 95-1 vote, making her the 33rd Chief of Naval Operations and the first woman to serve in that role as well as on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The sole dissenting vote came from Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS), who argued that her selection exemplified the Biden administration's emphasis on diversity over operational merit, stating, "President Biden nominated Adm. Franchetti not because she is qualified or competent to do the job, but because of this administration's obsession with diversity and inclusion." Marshall acknowledged Franchetti's career qualifications but critiqued broader personnel policies prioritizing demographic representation, a view echoed in conservative critiques of military leadership selections amid recruiting crises. No other senators expressed substantive opposition to her individual qualifications during the process.

Tenure as Chief of Naval Operations

Major Policies and Initiatives

Franchetti's tenure emphasized enhancing naval warfighting capabilities amid strategic competition, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. In January 2024, she released the priorities document America's Warfighting Navy, which outlined a focus on building a lethal, agile force capable of deterring aggression and prevailing in conflict. The plan prioritized readiness for sea-based operations, logistics sustainment, and shore infrastructure to support extended deployments, while integrating unmanned systems and joint force contributions. Central to her initiatives was the September 2024 Navigation Plan (NAVPLAN), a strategic guidance document aimed at aligning the fleet for high-end conflict by 2027, the projected timeline for potential Chinese military action across the Taiwan Strait. The NAVPLAN introduced Project 33, targeting the scaling of robotic and autonomous systems to expand fleet capacity without proportional increases in manned platforms, alongside investments in information dominance through advanced networking and data analytics. It set specific benchmarks, including achieving 80% surge readiness for ships and aircraft—meaning 80% of forces deployable on short notice—by reducing maintenance delays and improving supply chain resilience. These efforts sought to address readiness shortfalls amid flat budgets and static fleet sizes, emphasizing distributed maritime operations and alliances with partners like and for collective deterrence. Franchetti also pursued modernization of legacy platforms, such as integrating directed-energy weapons and hypersonic capabilities, while advocating for industrial base expansion to accelerate and repair timelines. Early in her term, she supported diversity and inclusion programs to broaden , though by 2025, the Navy under her canceled memorandums of understanding with certain affinity groups amid shifting priorities.

Operational Challenges

During her tenure as Chief of Naval Operations from April 2023 to February 2025, the U.S. Navy grappled with persistent recruitment shortfalls that hampered manning levels and operational capacity. In fiscal year 2023, the Navy missed its active-duty enlistment goal by approximately 7,000 sailors, following an earlier projection of a 6,000-shortfall, prompting measures such as extending recruiters' work weeks to six days. Adm. Franchetti described recruiting challenges as part of a broader "war for talent" affecting all services, with the Navy aiming for 100% fill rates in active and reserve components as "stretch goals" in her 2024 Navigation Plan, though shortfalls continued into 2024, contributing to at-sea personnel shortages on deploying units. Maintenance backlogs and ship readiness emerged as core operational hurdles, with surface ships experiencing worsening sustainment issues that reduced deployable assets. Government Accountability Office (GAO) analyses from 2023 to 2025 highlighted persistent delays in ship repairs and modernizations, including amphibious warfare vessels critical for Marine Corps operations, with only partial progress toward Franchetti's target of 80% surge availability across the fleet by 2027. These delays, exacerbated by workforce shortages and supply chain constraints, left fewer ships combat-ready amid high operational demands, as noted in Franchetti's priorities to address backlogs through her "America's Warfighting Navy" guidance. Shipbuilding programs also faced overruns, with GAO reporting delays of up to three years for vessels under construction as of September 2024, straining the industrial base despite billions invested. Elevated operational tempo in the Indo-Pacific region compounded these strains, as the Navy prioritized deterrence against China under flat budgets and a static fleet size of around 290 battle force ships. Franchetti's 2024 Navigation Plan emphasized preparing for potential Pacific conflict by 2027, including expanding joint warfighting contributions, but resource constraints from continuing resolutions threatened further erosion of maintenance and recruiting efforts. GAO and congressional oversight identified these factors as limiting the Navy's ability to sustain forward presence and respond to gray-zone threats, with pre-existing issues like promotion delays rippling into leadership gaps on ships.

Dismissal and Post-Tenure Developments

Relief from Command

On February 21, 2025, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth relieved Admiral Lisa Franchetti of her duties as the 33rd Chief of Naval Operations, marking a rare dismissal of a sitting service chief. The action occurred late Friday evening as part of a broader personnel change that also included the removal of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General CQ Brown. Hegseth announced the firing via a Pentagon statement, confirming Franchetti's immediate relief without specifying a cause, though it aligned with the incoming Trump administration's post-inauguration overhaul of senior military leadership. was appointed as acting CNO to fill the vacancy pending a permanent nominee. The operated without a Senate-confirmed CNO for several months following the relief, highlighting operational continuity challenges during the transition. Franchetti's dismissal was the second high-profile removal of a female four-star officer under the Trump administration, following the ouster of Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Linda Fagan earlier in January 2025, though official rationales emphasized realignment with administration priorities rather than gender. Sources close to the Pentagon indicated the move reflected dissatisfaction with prior leadership's strategic direction, but no formal misconduct allegations were cited.

Reactions and Aftermath

Following her relief from command on February 21, 2025, by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, reactions to Admiral Lisa Franchetti's dismissal divided along partisan and institutional lines. Supporters of the Trump administration, including military analysts focused on operational readiness, praised the move as part of a broader effort to prioritize warfighting expertise over prior administration priorities, with one analysis noting it signaled a "commitment to refocusing the military" amid perceived emphasis on non-combat initiatives during her tenure. Critics, particularly from Democratic lawmakers and progressive outlets, decried the decision as abrupt and unexplained, with Congresswoman Betty McCollum expressing shock and arguing it undermined stable leadership at a time of global tensions. The firing eliminated the last female four-star officer in the U.S. military, prompting concerns in some quarters about setbacks for women in senior roles, as reported by defense publications tracking personnel trends. However, military forums and retired officers countered that Franchetti's initial selection had been framed excessively around her gender by the Biden administration, potentially diluting perceptions of merit-based advancement, with one op-ed from a senior retiree urging focus on qualifications over identity. This perspective aligned with broader critiques of diversity initiatives in promotions, though no official Pentagon rationale specified performance issues, instead tying the relief to a wave of changes including the removal of Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. CQ Brown. In the immediate aftermath, Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. James Kilby assumed acting duties as Chief of Naval Operations, maintaining continuity in fleet operations while the administration sought a permanent replacement emphasizing combat experience. Franchetti's post-dismissal activities included a reported partnership with former Obama administration official Rahm Emanuel on unspecified advisory roles, suggesting a pivot to civilian influence networks. The episode fueled ongoing debates over civilian oversight of military leadership, with no evidence of legal challenges but heightened scrutiny on confirmation processes for future nominees amid partisan gridlock.

Controversies and Criticisms

Merit and Diversity Concerns

Admiral Lisa Franchetti's nomination and confirmation as Chief of Naval Operations in 2023 drew criticism from some quarters that her selection prioritized diversity metrics over pure merit-based qualifications. Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS), who voted against her confirmation on November 2, 2023, stated that President Biden nominated her "not because she is qualified or competent to do the job but because of this administration's obsession with diversity." This view echoed broader concerns about the Department of Defense's emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives under the Biden administration, which critics argued led to promotions influenced by demographic factors rather than operational performance or strategic expertise. Proponents of this critique pointed to Franchetti's career trajectory, which included significant staff and diplomatic roles—such as vice director for operations on the Joint Staff (2013–2015) and U.S. military representative to NATO (2016–2018)—but fewer high-intensity combat command positions compared to some peers, like Admiral Darryl Caudle, who had extensive fleet command experience. Detractors contended that the push for a female CNO, marking the first woman in the role, reflected a policy-driven choice amid the Pentagon's stated goals to increase female four-star officers, potentially sidelining candidates with deeper warfighting credentials. Her relief from command on February 21, 2025, by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth further amplified these debates, with Hegseth having previously labeled such appointments as DEI-driven in public statements and writings, asserting that the military had "promoted too many leaders for the wrong reasons." This action, part of a broader purge of senior leaders perceived as aligned with prior DEI emphases, was framed by supporters as a corrective to restore meritocracy, though it elicited counter-claims from military insiders that it undermined qualified officers without evidence of performance failures during Franchetti's tenure. Empirical assessments of promotion data under DEI policies remain contested, with no peer-reviewed studies conclusively quantifying diminished readiness, but anecdotal critiques from retired officers highlight perceived correlations between diversity quotas and diluted standards.

Policy and Leadership Critiques

Critics of Admiral Franchetti's tenure as Chief of Naval Operations have argued that her leadership failed to reverse persistent operational deficiencies, including recruiting shortfalls that hampered force readiness. The U.S. Navy missed its fiscal year 2023 active-duty enlisted recruiting goal by 7,464 personnel, achieving only 30,236 accessions against a target of 37,700, with similar struggles persisting into 2024 despite efforts to adjust standards and incentives. These shortfalls, which predated her April 2023 assumption of command but continued unabated, were attributed by some analysts to a misallocation of resources toward diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs rather than core warfighting priorities, potentially eroding recruitment pipelines and morale. Franchetti's policies on shipbuilding and industrial base expansion drew scrutiny for not mitigating chronic delays across major programs. During her tenure, the Navy publicly acknowledged significant schedule slippages, with some vessels delayed by up to three years as of September 2024, including the Constellation-class frigate program hampered by shipyard labor retention issues. Critics contended that her emphasis on growing the industrial base through resource allocation failed to deliver tangible improvements, exacerbating readiness gaps in a fleet already strained by maintenance backlogs and acquisition shortfalls. Her 2024 Navigation Plan, intended to guide the Navy toward enhanced warfighting capabilities amid resource constraints, faced criticism for lacking strategic depth and consistency. The document offered no forward-looking Navy guidance, omitted references to prior strategic documents, and prioritized near-term readiness goals that analysts argued were overly aspirational without sufficient internal mechanisms for implementation or alignment with joint force needs. Strategic commentators blamed successive Chiefs, including Franchetti, for failing to institute deliberate planning processes, resulting in inconsistent service-level strategies that undermined broader defense objectives. Leadership critiques extended to Franchetti's perceived overemphasis on DEI initiatives, which some military observers linked to diverted focus from lethality and operational effectiveness. Prior to her February 2025 relief, the Navy under her direction maintained memorandums of understanding with affinity groups tied to identity-based advocacy, a practice later curtailed, but detractors argued such efforts contributed to recruitment woes and a cultural shift away from merit-based warfighting ethos. These policies, while defended by supporters as enhancing inclusivity, were cited by figures like Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as exacerbating the Navy's challenges in attracting and retaining talent suited for high-stakes combat roles.

Personal Life and Honors

Family and Personal Details

Franchetti was born in , and graduated from in 1985, where she received her commission through the program. She married James Sievert in 2004, at the time she held the rank of in the . Sievert, who had served in the prior to their marriage, left active duty the following year to pursue a career in software engineering as a civilian contractor. The couple has one daughter, Isabel, born in 2006. As of 2023, Isabel was a student in a District of Columbia Public Schools high school, with Sievert supporting Franchetti's flag officer duties as a military spouse since 2013.

Awards and Recognitions

Franchetti's personal military decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, two Defense Superior Service Medals, five Legion of Merit awards, six Meritorious Service Medals, four Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, and two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals. She has also received unit awards such as the Joint Meritorious Unit Award and the Navy Unit Commendation. Among civilian honors, Franchetti was awarded the Northwestern University Alumni Medal in 2019 for distinguished service, the Intrepid Freedom Award on May 24, 2024, from the Intrepid Museum, and the Leonardo da Vinci Award in Military Service on October 28, 2024, from the National Italian American Foundation.

References

  1. https://www.navy.mil/Leadership/Flag-Officer-Biographies/BioDisplay/Article/3148210/admiral-lisa-franchetti/
  2. https://www.netc.navy.mil/Media-Center/Press-Releases/Press-Release-Display/Article/3585926/adm-lisa-franchetti-shares-her-journey-to-becoming-chief-of-naval-operations/
  3. https://news.usni.org/2025/02/21/joint-chiefs-chair-cq-brown-cno-franchetti-relieved
  4. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/21/us/politics/hegseth-navy-lisa-franchetti.html
  5. https://www.armedforcesbowl.com/new-and-media/admiral-lisa-franchetti-to-receive-2024-great-american-patriot-award
  6. https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1181/vote_118_1_00287.htm
  7. https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/Press-Releases/display-pressreleases/Article/3578249/adm-lisa-franchetti-sworn-in-as-33rd-cno/
  8. https://defensescoop.com/2025/02/21/trump-fires-adm-franchetti-chief-of-naval-operations/
  9. https://www.congress.gov/118/meeting/house/115784/witnesses/HHRG-118-AS03-Bio-FranchettiL-20230419.pdf
  10. https://www.deltazetaarchive.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Summer-2020.pdf
  11. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/lawrence-franchetti-4619a55_my-sister-joined-the-navy-to-pay-for-college-activity-7125977283516887040-SMoz
  12. https://www.medill.northwestern.edu/about-us/awards/hall-of-achievement/lisa-franchetti.html
  13. https://www.nualumnae.org/index.php/award-recipient/lisa-franchetti
  14. https://news.usni.org/2017/10/31/rear-adm-lisa-franchetti-nominated-lead-u-s-6th-fleet
  15. https://www.hstoday.us/industry/people-on-the-move/key-navy-nominees-include-first-woman-who-would-serve-as-chief-of-naval-operations-and-on-the-joint-chiefs-of-staff/
  16. https://www.northwestern.edu/magazine/winter2005/cover/cover/sidebar2.html
  17. https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2023/07/21/how-franchettis-experience-made-her-bidens-pick-to-lead-the-navy/
  18. https://www.usni.org/people/admiral-lisa-franchetti
  19. https://www.csis.org/events/navigating-seas-admiral-lisa-franchetti-chief-naval-operations-us-navy
  20. https://www.westconference.org/WEST25/Public/SpeakerDetails.aspx?FromPage=Speakers.aspx&ContactID=161791
  21. https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/News-Stories/Article/2259473/ccsg-9-holds-change-of-command/
  22. https://www.usfk.mil/Media/Newsroom/News/Article/608056/rdml-franchetti-visit-to-womens-university/
  23. https://www.c6f.navy.mil/Press-Room/News/Article/2243470/us-6th-fleet-holds-change-of-command-ceremony/
  24. https://cnrk.cnic.navy.mil/About/History/
  25. https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2013/10/25/people/Female-admiral-leads-in-Korea/2979434.html
  26. https://news.usni.org/2020/09/11/vice-adm-franchetti-nominated-for-joint-staff-role-after-brief-time-at-n7
  27. https://military-history.fandom.com/wiki/Lisa_Franchetti
  28. https://www.stimson.org/2024/transcript-in-competition-crisis-and-conflict-building-americas-warfighting-navy-with-cno-adm-lisa-franchetti/
  29. https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/07/21/president-biden-announces-intent-to-nominate-key-roles-within-the-u-s-military/
  30. https://www.npr.org/2023/07/21/1189404863/navy-chief-first-woman-franchetti
  31. https://news.usni.org/2023/11/02/senate-confirms-adm-lisa-franchetti-as-next-chief-of-naval-operations
  32. https://www.politico.com/news/2023/07/21/biden-franchetti-navy-joint-chiefs-00107699
  33. https://www.govconwire.com/articles/biden-eyes-adm-lisa-franchetti-for-chief-of-naval-operations-role-vice-adm-james-kilby-as-vice-cno
  34. https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/Press-Releases/display-pressreleases/Article/3584980/adm-lisa-franchetti-shares-her-journey-to-becoming-chief-of-naval-operations/
  35. https://www.armed-services.senate.gov/hearings/to-consider-the-nomination-of-admiral-lisa-m-franchetti-usn-for-reappointment-to-the-grade-of-admiral-and-to-be-chief-of-naval-operations
  36. https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2023/sep/14/milestone-navy-nominee-faces-some-familiar-questio/
  37. https://www.politico.com/news/2023/09/14/tuberville-blockade-franchetti-00115936
  38. https://www.npr.org/2023/08/14/1193693728/adm-franchetti-first-woman-nominated-to-run-the-navy-held-up-over-abortion-prote
  39. https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2023/11/02/senate-finally-confirms-adm-franchetti-as-navys-top-officer/
  40. https://www.congress.gov/nomination/118th-congress/882
  41. https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article281585878.html
  42. https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/politics/government/2023/11/10/roger-marshall-explains-votes-military-officer-confirmations/71531514007/
  43. https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/Press-Releases/display-pressreleases/Article/3639874/cno-releases-priorities-americas-warfighting-navy/
  44. https://news.usni.org/2024/01/09/cno-franchetti-unveils-warfighting-priorities
  45. https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/News-Stories/Article/3909919/chief-of-naval-operations-releases-navigation-plan-for-americas-warfighting-navy/
  46. https://news.usni.org/2024/09/18/cno-franchetti-war-plan-preparing-navy-for-pacific-conflict-by-2027-with-flat-budgets-static-fleet-size
  47. https://defensescoop.com/2024/09/18/navy-cno-navigation-plan-project-33-robotic-systems-information-dominance/
  48. https://www.war.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3937458/cno-sets-80-surge-readiness-goal-by-2027/
  49. https://sofrep.com/navy/the-firing-of-admiral-lisa-franchetti-what-it-means-for-the-future-of-the-navy/
  50. https://news.usni.org/2025/02/10/cno-cancels-mous-with-three-military-affinity-organizations
  51. https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2023/09/14/navy-will-miss-recruiting-goals-by-7000-sailors-this-year/
  52. https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/article/3369472/vice-chiefs-talk-recruiting-shortfalls-readiness-issues/
  53. https://news.usni.org/2023/06/28/navy-recruiting-increasing-work-week-to-six-days-to-combat-recruitment-shortages
  54. https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-25-106990.pdf
  55. https://www.gao.gov/blog/u.s.-navy-shipbuilding-consistently-over-budget-and-delayed-despite-billions-invested-industry
  56. https://maritime-executive.com/article/continuing-resolution-puts-u-s-navy-maintenance-recruitment-at-risk
  57. https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-25-106286.pdf
  58. https://www.military.com/daily-news/2025/02/27/no-more-female-4-stars-franchetti-firing-leaves-top-ranks-filled-men.html
  59. https://www.fox26houston.com/news/lisa-franchetti-navy-top-officer-fired-hegseth
  60. https://breakingdefense.com/2025/05/what-a-historic-absence-of-its-top-officer-means-for-the-navy/
  61. https://www.workboat.com/government/franchetti-ousted-as-cno
  62. http://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-mccollum-statement-firing-chief-naval-operations-lisa-franchetti
  63. https://msmagazine.com/2025/05/14/profiles-in-courage-admiral-lisa-franchetti/
  64. https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2025/03/17/dod-leadership-firings-spark-concerns-over-support-for-female-officers/
  65. https://www.reddit.com/r/navy/comments/1iwmndl/oped_hold_fast_a_recently_retired_senior_officers/
  66. https://www.military.com/daily-news/2025/02/21/fired-joint-chiefs-chairman-top-navy-leader-air-force-vice-chief-service-judge-advocates-general.html
  67. https://www.politico.com/news/2025/05/12/rahm-emanuel-team-fired-navy-admiral-00341416
  68. https://www.aol.com/marshall-blasts-biden-obsession-diversity-185537124.html
  69. https://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2025/02/27/cjcs_cno_fired_over_dei_is_the_marine_commandant_next_1094284.html
  70. https://www.facebook.com/13NewsNow/posts/hegseth-said-the-us-military-has-promoted-too-many-leaders-for-the-wrong-reasons/1206572174850971/
  71. https://www.reddit.com/r/Military/comments/1iwu6kb/oped_hold_fast_a_recently_retired_senior_naval/
  72. https://www.moaa.org/content/publications-and-media/news-articles/2023-news-articles/recommended-reads/navy-misses-annual-recruiting-goal-by-more-than-7%2C000-sailors/
  73. https://news.usni.org/2023/10/11/navy-misses-all-recruiting-goals-in-fy-2023-raises-goals-for-fy-2024
  74. https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2024/04/17/navy-continues-to-struggle-in-recruiting-as-other-services-near-goal/
  75. https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/pete-hegseth-confirmation-hearing/card/what-has-pete-hegseth-said-about-wokeness-and-diversity-programs--ChQmNCwZrdZT6gCkxAm8
  76. https://seapowermagazine.org/secnav-frigate-delay-due-to-atrocious-worker-retention/
  77. https://breakingdefense.com/2024/12/the-navys-never-ending-quest-for-355-ships-5-navy-stories-from-2024/
  78. https://news.usni.org/2024/03/27/cno-franchetti-focused-on-growing-shipbuilding-weapons-industrial-base
  79. https://warontherocks.com/2024/11/i-blame-the-navys-strategic-woes-on-the-chiefs-of-naval-operations/
  80. https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2024/september/navigation-plan-americas-warfighting-navy-aspirational-or
  81. https://militarychild.org/upload/images/2023%2520GTS/Bio_JamesKSievert.pdf
  82. https://intrepidmuseum.org/2024-05-24/admiral-lisa-franchetti-chief-naval-operations-hii-ceo-shipbuilders-employees-honored
  83. https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/Press-Releases/display-pressreleases/Article/3947658/chief-of-naval-operations-receives-leonardo-da-vinci-award-from-national-italia/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.