Biden Named First Woman to Command US Navy

U.S. President Joe Biden has selected Admiral Lisa Franchetti to head the U.S. Navy, according to an announcement released Friday.

She will be the first woman to command the Navy and the first member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the head of the U.S. military. The committee is constituted by the Chiefs of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Navy.

“Throughout his career, Admiral Franchetti has demonstrated extensive experience in the operational and policy arenas,” Biden said in a statement.

Who is Lisa Franchetti?

Franchetti is currently Vice President of the Navy.

A senior administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Associated Press that Biden chose him based on his extensive experience — including 38 years in the U.S. military.

Franchetti has commanded all levels of the Navy and has held two assignments as Commander of the Aircraft Carrier Strike Group. She is also the second US Navy woman to be promoted to four-star admiral.

The official said Biden understood Francesetti’s importance as the first female member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and that she would be an inspiration to the men and women in the Navy.

Biden’s decision to call on Franchetti went against the Pentagon’s recommendation, which put forward Samuel Paparo, the current commander of the Navy’s Pacific Fleet, for the role, but Navy officials said the president’s choice was the best decision for the post.

An informative article from the portal DW