Lisa M. Franchetti

Lisa M. Franchetti is a flag officer in the United States Navy who currently serves as the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO). She is the first woman to serve as the service chief of the U.S. Navy and the first woman member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Franchetti's extensive career includes command at sea and significant leadership roles across Indo-Pacific, European, and African theaters, culminating in her historic confirmation to the Navy's top uniformed position.

Early life and education

Franchetti was born in Rochester, New York, and grew up with a strong interest in maritime affairs. She attended the University of Rochester before transferring to and graduating from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism and was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) program. She later earned a Master of Arts degree in organizational management from the University of Phoenix and is a graduate of the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, and the Joint Forces Staff College in Norfolk, Virginia.

Naval career

Franchetti's initial sea tours included assignments on the USS *Shenandoah* (AD-44) and as a division officer on the USS *Monongahela* (AO-178). She transitioned to the surface warfare community, serving as a weapons officer and combat systems officer on the USS *Moosbrugger* (DD-980). Her first command was the guided-missile destroyer USS *Stout* (DDG-55), followed by command of USS *Ross* (DDG-71). She later commanded Destroyer Squadron 21 and served as the deputy commander of United States Naval Forces Central Command in Bahrain. As a flag officer, Franchetti commanded Carrier Strike Group 9, deploying with the USS *John C. Stennis* (CVN-74) to the Western Pacific and the Persian Gulf. She subsequently served as the director for Strategy, Plans, and Policy (J-5) on the Joint Staff at the Pentagon. Her senior operational commands include serving as commander of United States Naval Forces Korea, commander of the United States Sixth Fleet, and commander of United States Naval Forces Europe and United States Naval Forces Africa, simultaneously serving as commander of Allied Joint Force Command Naples for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Chief of Naval Operations

Nominated by President Joe Biden in July 2023, Franchetti was confirmed by the United States Senate in November 2023, becoming the 33rd Chief of Naval Operations. Her tenure focuses on strategic competition, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region against challenges from the People's Liberation Army Navy of the People's Republic of China, and maintaining naval readiness globally. She oversees the implementation of the Navigation Plan for the Department of the Navy, emphasizing integrated Pacific Fleet operations, modernizing the force with platforms like the Columbia-class submarine and *Ford*-class aircraft carriers, and strengthening alliances with partners such as the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Republic of Korea Navy.

Awards and decorations

Franchetti's personal awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Navy Distinguished Service Medal (with one gold award star), the Defense Superior Service Medal (with oak leaf cluster), the Legion of Merit (with three award stars), the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (with gold star), the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (with three award stars), and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (with gold star). She also wears the Surface Warfare Officer insignia and the Joint Chiefs of Staff identification badge.

Personal life

Franchetti is married to a fellow naval officer, and the couple has one child. Her personal interests include running, and she is an advocate for professional military education and leadership development programs within the United States Armed Forces.

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