For the first time in history, US President Biden has selected a female admiral to lead the US Navy, marking a significant milestone for gender representation in Pentagon military service branches.
The nominee, Lisa Franchetti, brings with her a remarkable background as a former head of the US 6th Fleet and US naval forces in South Korea. She has also served as an aircraft carrier strike commander during her distinguished career.
However, her appointment as Chief of Naval Operations still awaits confirmation from the US Senate, as per the customary procedure.
Presently, the confirmation process faces an obstacle, with one lawmaker blocking the Senate from confirming military leaders in protest against a military abortion policy.
If Adm. Franchetti is confirmed, she will achieve another groundbreaking feat by becoming the first woman to join the prestigious group of senior military officers known as the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
With 38 years of dedicated service, Adm. Franchetti is only the second woman to reach the esteemed rank of four-star admiral.
President Biden lauded her extensive expertise in both operational and policy matters, expressing confidence that she will create history once more when confirmed for the role.
Interestingly, there were reports in the US media suggesting that Adm. Franchetti was not the first choice of US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. Instead, he recommended Samuel Paparo, a TOPGUN graduate, for the position of Navy chief. In response, President Biden promoted Adm. Paparo and nominated him to lead the US military forces in the Pacific.
It is worth noting that the US Coast Guard, another significant military branch, is currently led by Admiral Linda Fagan, who is also a woman. However, this branch operates under the Department of Homeland Security, distinct from the Department of Defense.
Assuming her role in the fall, Adm. Franchetti will initially serve in an acting capacity, as confirmation by the divided Senate may take time.
The confirmation process has been hindered by Alabama Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville, who is blocking more than 270 military promotions in response to a Pentagon policy covering the travel expenses of service members who require out-of-state abortions.
In his statement, Mr Biden criticised the senator, saying “what Senator Tuberville is doing is not only wrong—it is dangerous”.
He added: “He is risking our ability to ensure that the United States Armed Forces remain the greatest fighting force in the history of the world. And his Republican colleagues in the Senate know it.”