President Joe Biden has made history by nominating Admiral Lisa Franchetti to lead the US Navy, which would make her the first woman to hold the position and to serve on the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Franchetti has 38 years of service as a commissioned officer in the US Navy and has held various positions including commanding a guided missile destroyer, a destroyer squadron and two carrier strike groups.
She was also the deputy commander of US naval forces in Europe and Africa.
Franchetti's nomination will be put forward to the Senate for confirmation, but her confirmation is likely to be delayed by Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville, who is stalling over 200 senior military nominations in protest against the Pentagon's decision to assist troops who have to travel to receive abortions.
The United States Army is set to lose several key leaders in the coming months, including the current Vice Chief of Staff, General James McConville, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley.
General McConville's retirement was announced on Tuesday by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who praised his contributions to the military and the country.
"I am grateful for his decades of service and leadership, and I wish him and his family all the best in the next chapter of their lives," Austin said.
General Milley is also expected to retire soon, and President Joe Biden has already nominated his replacement, General John Raymond.
The departure of these high-ranking officials comes at a time of significant change for the US military, which is grappling with a range of challenges, including budget constraints, the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and shifting global power dynamics.
She was also the deputy commander of US naval forces in Europe and Africa.
Franchetti's nomination will be put forward to the Senate for confirmation, but her confirmation is likely to be delayed by Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville, who is stalling over 200 senior military nominations in protest against the Pentagon's decision to assist troops who have to travel to receive abortions.
The United States Army is set to lose several key leaders in the coming months, including the current Vice Chief of Staff, General James McConville, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley.
General McConville's retirement was announced on Tuesday by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who praised his contributions to the military and the country.
"I am grateful for his decades of service and leadership, and I wish him and his family all the best in the next chapter of their lives," Austin said.
General Milley is also expected to retire soon, and President Joe Biden has already nominated his replacement, General John Raymond.
The departure of these high-ranking officials comes at a time of significant change for the US military, which is grappling with a range of challenges, including budget constraints, the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and shifting global power dynamics.