Under Secretary of the Navy

Under Secretary of the Navy
United States Army Institute Of Heraldry · Public domain · source
Post	Under Secretary of the Navy
Body	the United States
Insigniasize	120
Insigniacaption	Seal of the United States Department of the Navy
Department	United States Department of the Navy
Member of	United States Department of Defense
Reports to	United States Secretary of the Navy
Seat	The Pentagon, Arlington County, Virginia
Appointer	The President
Appointer qualified	with Senate advice and consent
Termlength	No fixed term
Constituting instrument	10 U.S.C. § 8015
Inaugural	James Forrestal
Formation	August 22, 1940
Website	[https://www.secnav.navy.mil/undersec/ Official website]

Under Secretary of the Navy is the second-highest civilian official in the United States Department of the Navy. Appointed by the President of the United States with the confirmation of the United States Senate, the Under Secretary exercises authority delegated by the United States Secretary of the Navy and assumes the duties of the Secretary during their absence or disability. The position is critical for overseeing the department's vast business and financial operations, including shipbuilding, acquisition, and logistics.

History

The office was established by the Naval Appropriations Act of 1940, with James Forrestal becoming the first to hold the position on August 22, 1940. Its creation was part of a broader reorganization to manage the United States Navy's rapid expansion during the lead-up to World War II. Throughout the Cold War, the role evolved to manage increasingly complex weapons systems and nuclear propulsion programs. Following the National Security Act of 1947 and the subsequent creation of the United States Department of Defense, the Under Secretary's responsibilities were further refined to align with the new defense structure, integrating the United States Marine Corps's support systems more directly.

Responsibilities

The Under Secretary is the United States Department of the Navy's chief operating officer and principal advisor on all matters related to business, finance, and acquisition. Key duties include supervising the Naval Sea Systems Command, the Naval Air Systems Command, and the Office of Naval Research. The office directs the Navy Working Capital Fund, oversees the execution of the Naval Vessel Register and shipbuilding plans, and manages the department's real estate and installations. The Under Secretary also plays a central role in the research, development, and acquisition of major systems like the Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier and the Virginia-class submarine.

Appointment

The Under Secretary is appointed by the President of the United States under the provisions of 10 U.S.C. § 8015, requiring confirmation by a majority vote in the United States Senate. The nominee typically possesses extensive experience in management, finance, or national security affairs. The appointment process involves hearings before the Senate Armed Services Committee, which scrutinizes the candidate's qualifications and views on critical issues such as the Pacific Fleet posture or the budget of the United States Navy.

List of Under Secretaries

Since its inception, the position has been held by numerous notable individuals from public service and private industry. The inaugural Under Secretary, James Forrestal, later became the first United States Secretary of Defense. Other prominent holders include John L. Sullivan, who later served as United States Secretary of the Navy, and Robert B. Pirie Jr., a key figure during the Vietnam War. The list includes former executives from corporations like Northrop Grumman and General Dynamics, as well as former members of the United States Congress and senior officials from the United States Department of the Treasury.

Succession to the Secretary

By law, the Under Secretary is first in the line of succession to act as United States Secretary of the Navy should the office become vacant or the Secretary be unable to perform their duties. This succession was formally outlined in Executive Order 13533 and is codified in Department of the Navy directives. In such circumstances, the Under Secretary assumes all statutory powers and responsibilities, including representing the department before the United States Congress and in meetings of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, until a permanent successor is appointed and confirmed.

Office of the Under Secretary

The Office of the Under Secretary (OUSN) is headquartered in The Pentagon and comprises several deputy and assistant under secretaries who manage specific portfolios. Key subordinate offices include the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development and Acquisition), the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Financial Management and Comptroller), and the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Manpower and Reserve Affairs). The OUSN works closely with the Chief of Naval Operations and the Commandant of the Marine Corps to implement policies and direct the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps's business operations worldwide. Category:United States Department of the Navy Category:Under Secretaries of the Navy