Admiral Mike Gilday relinquished his post as the US Navy’s Chief of Naval Operations on 14 August 2023 after successfully concluding his four-year tenure as the navy’s top military leader.
In a ceremony at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, Adm Gilday handed over to Vice Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Lisa Franchetti, who has been nominated by US President Joe Biden to be the next CNO and will perform the duties of the CNO until someone is formally appointed to that role in accordance with law.
Adm Gilday became the 32nd CNO in August 2019. As a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the CNO acts as an advisor to the President of the United States, the National Security Council, the Homeland Security Council, and the Secretary of Defense. Under the direction of the Secretary of the Navy, the CNO is responsible for the command, utilisation of resources, and operating efficiency of naval forces and shore activities.
As keynote speaker at the ceremony Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro emphasised Adm Gilday’s “transformational leadership” and prioritisation of readiness during an era of strategic competition.
“Admiral Gilday boldly charged forward, leading and inspiring sailors at every level, from the tactical, to the operational, to the strategic… he’s also championed our strategic relationships with allies and partners,” said Del Toro. “He served as our 32nd Chief of Naval Operations during a pivotal – and perhaps sometimes even a bit chaotic – time for our fleet, for our nation, and for our friends around the world.”
For his part, Adm Gilday reflected on the adaptation and change the US Navy has undergone in adjusting to a new and challenging security environment, while also calling for the Department of Defense to “act with urgency and purpose” in order to maintain maritime superiority. He expressed confidence and optimism in the navy’s direction, while praising sailors and families around the Fleet for their resilience and service.
“We have the best Navy in the world,” said Gilday. “Every day, our people are standing the watch, operating globally and at the tip of the spear, strengthening our alliances and partnerships.”
Adm Gilday described Adm Franchetti as exceptionally well qualified to take up his post, stating, “I am proud that she will be my CNO. She is a fleet sailor, an operator, a warfighter. She has already made the navy better as our Vice Chief of Naval Operations; the navy is in good hands with her at the helm.”
Peter Felstead
