Lisa Franchetti

Lisa Franchetti is a flag officer in the United States Navy who currently serves as the Chief of Naval Operations. She is the first woman to hold the position and the first female member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Her confirmation by the United States Senate in November 2023 marked a historic milestone for the United States Armed Forces. Franchetti's extensive career includes key commands in both the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific theaters, shaping modern naval strategy and alliances.

Early life and education

Lisa Franchetti was born in Rochester, New York, and grew up with a strong interest in public service. She attended Northwestern University, where she participated in the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps program and graduated with a degree in journalism. Her commissioning through NROTC led to her initial assignment aboard the USS *Shenandoah*. Franchetti later earned a Master of Arts in organizational management from the University of Phoenix and is a graduate of the Naval War College and the National War College, where she studied national security strategy.

Naval career

Franchetti's early sea tours included service as a division officer on the USS *Monongahela* and as a combat systems officer on the USS *Moosbrugger*. She commanded the USS *Ross*, a guided-missile destroyer, and later the Destroyer Squadron 21 during a deployment to the Persian Gulf. Her shore and staff assignments were equally significant, including roles on the Joint Staff in the J-3 Directorate and as executive assistant to the Commander, United States Pacific Fleet. She served as the director for Strategy, Plans, and Policy (J-5) on the Joint Staff in the Pentagon.

Her flag officer assignments demonstrated a rapid ascent to senior leadership. Franchetti served as commander of United States Naval Forces Korea, strengthening the alliance with the Republic of Korea Navy. She later commanded the United States Sixth Fleet, United States Naval Forces Europe, and United States Naval Forces Africa simultaneously from headquarters in Naples, Italy. In this role, she also served as commander of Allied Joint Force Command Naples, a pivotal NATO headquarters, overseeing operations across Europe and Africa. Prior to her current role, she served as the Vice Chief of Naval Operations.

Chief of Naval Operations

Nominated by President Joe Biden in July 2023, Franchetti assumed the role of Chief of Naval Operations after her historic confirmation. In this capacity, she serves as the senior uniformed officer in the Department of the Navy and a principal advisor to the President of the United States, the Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of the Navy. Her tenure is focused on modernizing the Navy through programs like the Columbia-class submarine and enhancing warfighting readiness across the Fleet. She advocates for a robust naval presence in the Indo-Pacific Command area to counter challenges from the People's Liberation Army Navy and supports key partnerships with navies like the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.

Awards and decorations

Admiral Franchetti's service has been recognized with numerous personal and unit awards. Her personal decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Navy Distinguished Service Medal (with one gold award star), and the Defense Superior Service Medal (with one oak leaf cluster). She has also received the Legion of Merit (with three award stars), the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (with one gold award star), and multiple Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal awards. Her unit awards encompass the Joint Meritorious Unit Award and the Navy Unit Commendation.

Personal life

Lisa Franchetti is married to a fellow naval officer. She maintains a private personal life, with public focus remaining on her professional accomplishments and leadership within the United States Navy. Her career is often cited as a trailblazing path for women in the military, and she has spoken on the importance of mentorship and diversity in strengthening the All-volunteer force.

Category:United States Navy admirals Category:Chiefs of Naval Operations Category:Women in the United States Navy Category:Living people