Topzle Topzle

Chief of Naval Operations

Updated: Wikipedia source

Chief of Naval Operations

The chief of naval operations (CNO) is the highest-ranking officer of the United States Navy. The position is a statutory office (10 U.S.C. § 8033) held by an admiral who is a military adviser and deputy to the secretary of the Navy. The CNO is also a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (10 U.S.C. § 151) and in this capacity, a military adviser to the National Security Council, the Homeland Security Council, the secretary of defense, and the president. Despite the title, the CNO does not have operational command authority over naval forces. The CNO is an administrative position based in the Pentagon, and exercises supervision of Navy organizations as the designee of the secretary of the Navy. Operational command of naval forces falls within the purview of the combatant commanders who report to the secretary of defense. As of 25 August 2025, the 34th chief of naval operations is Admiral Daryl Caudle.

Infobox

Abbreviation
CNO
Member of
Joint Chiefs of Staff
Reports to
Secretary of the Navy
Residence
Tingey House
Appointer
The presidentwith Senate advice and consent
Term length
4 yearsRenewable one time, only during war or national emergency
Constituting instrument
10 U.S.C. § 8033
Precursor
Aide for Naval Operations
Formation
11 May 1915
First holder
ADM William S. Benson
Deputy
Vice Chief of Naval Operations
Website
www.navy.mil

Tables

· List of chiefs of naval operations › Aide for Naval Operations (historical predecessor office)
1
1
No.
1
Aide for Naval Operations
Wainwright, RichardRear AdmiralRichard Wainwright(1849–1926)
Took office
3 December 1909
Left office
12 December 1911
Time in office
2 years, 9 days
Secretaries of the Navy
George von Lengerke Meyer
2
2
No.
2
Aide for Naval Operations
Vreeland, CharlesRear AdmiralCharles E. Vreeland(1852–1916)
Took office
12 December 1911
Left office
11 February 1913
Time in office
1 year, 61 days
Secretaries of the Navy
George von Lengerke Meyer
3
3
No.
3
Aide for Naval Operations
Fiske, BradleyRear AdmiralBradley A. Fiske(1854–1942)
Took office
11 February 1913
Left office
1 April 1915
Time in office
2 years, 49 days
Secretaries of the Navy
George von Lengerke MeyerJosephus Daniels
No.
Portrait
Aide for Naval Operations
Took office
Left office
Time in office
Secretaries of the Navy
1
Wainwright, RichardRear AdmiralRichard Wainwright(1849–1926)
3 December 1909
12 December 1911
2 years, 9 days
George von Lengerke Meyer
2
Vreeland, CharlesRear AdmiralCharles E. Vreeland(1852–1916)
12 December 1911
11 February 1913
1 year, 61 days
George von Lengerke Meyer
3
Fiske, BradleyRear AdmiralBradley A. Fiske(1854–1942)
11 February 1913
1 April 1915
2 years, 49 days
George von Lengerke MeyerJosephus Daniels
· List of chiefs of naval operations › Chiefs of naval operations
Duration
Duration
No.
Took office
Name
Duration
Term
Navy
Term
Defense
Benson, WilliamAdmiralWilliam S. Benson(1855–1932)
Benson, WilliamAdmiralWilliam S. Benson(1855–1932)
No.
1
Name
Benson, WilliamAdmiralWilliam S. Benson(1855–1932)
Term
11 May 1915
Term
25 September 1919
Term
4 years, 137 days
Background
Battleships
Secretaries served under:
Josephus Daniels
Secretaries served under:
—
Coontz, RobertAdmiralRobert E. Coontz(1864–1935)
Coontz, RobertAdmiralRobert E. Coontz(1864–1935)
No.
2
Name
Coontz, RobertAdmiralRobert E. Coontz(1864–1935)
Term
1 November 1919
Term
21 July 1923
Term
3 years, 262 days
Background
Battleships
Secretaries served under:
Josephus DanielsEdwin C. Denby
Secretaries served under:
—
Eberle, Edward WalterAdmiralEdward W. Eberle(1864–1929)
Eberle, Edward WalterAdmiralEdward W. Eberle(1864–1929)
No.
3
Name
Eberle, Edward WalterAdmiralEdward W. Eberle(1864–1929)
Term
21 July 1923
Term
14 November 1927
Term
4 years, 116 days
Background
Battleships
Secretaries served under:
Edwin C. DenbyCurtis D. Wilbur
Secretaries served under:
—
Hughes, Charles FrederickAdmiralCharles F. Hughes(1866–1934)
Hughes, Charles FrederickAdmiralCharles F. Hughes(1866–1934)
No.
4
Name
Hughes, Charles FrederickAdmiralCharles F. Hughes(1866–1934)
Term
14 November 1927
Term
17 September 1930(resigned)
Term
3 years, 3 days
Background
Battleships
Secretaries served under:
Curtis D. WilburCharles F. Adams III
Secretaries served under:
—
Pratt, William VeazieAdmiralWilliam V. Pratt(1869–1957)
Pratt, William VeazieAdmiralWilliam V. Pratt(1869–1957)
No.
5
Name
Pratt, William VeazieAdmiralWilliam V. Pratt(1869–1957)
Term
17 September 1930
Term
30 June 1933
Term
2 years, 286 days
Background
Battleships
Secretaries served under:
Charles F. Adams IIIClaude A. Swanson
Secretaries served under:
—
Standley, William HarrisonAdmiralWilliam H. Standley(1872–1963)
Standley, William HarrisonAdmiralWilliam H. Standley(1872–1963)
No.
6
Name
Standley, William HarrisonAdmiralWilliam H. Standley(1872–1963)
Term
1 July 1933
Term
1 January 1937
Term
3 years, 184 days
Background
Battleships
Secretaries served under:
Claude A. Swanson
Secretaries served under:
—
Leahy, WilliamAdmiralWilliam D. Leahy(1875–1959)
Leahy, WilliamAdmiralWilliam D. Leahy(1875–1959)
No.
7
Name
Leahy, WilliamAdmiralWilliam D. Leahy(1875–1959)
Term
2 January 1937
Term
1 August 1939
Term
2 years, 211 days
Background
Battleships
Secretaries served under:
Claude A. SwansonCharles Edison
Secretaries served under:
—
Stark, Harold RainsfordAdmiralHarold R. Stark(1880–1972)
Stark, Harold RainsfordAdmiralHarold R. Stark(1880–1972)
No.
8
Name
Stark, Harold RainsfordAdmiralHarold R. Stark(1880–1972)
Term
1 August 1939
Term
2 March 1942(relieved)
Term
2 years, 213 days
Background
Battleships/Cruisers-Destroyers
Secretaries served under:
Charles EdisonFrank Knox
Secretaries served under:
—
King, Ernest JosephFleet AdmiralErnest J. King(1878–1956)
King, Ernest JosephFleet AdmiralErnest J. King(1878–1956)
No.
9
Name
King, Ernest JosephFleet AdmiralErnest J. King(1878–1956)
Term
2 March 1942
Term
15 December 1945
Term
3 years, 288 days
Background
Aviation
Secretaries served under:
Frank KnoxJames Forrestal
Secretaries served under:
—
Nimitz, ChesterFleet AdmiralChester W. Nimitz(1885–1966)
Nimitz, ChesterFleet AdmiralChester W. Nimitz(1885–1966)
No.
10
Name
Nimitz, ChesterFleet AdmiralChester W. Nimitz(1885–1966)
Term
15 December 1945
Term
15 December 1947
Term
2 years, 0 days
Background
Submarines
Secretaries served under:
James ForrestalJohn L. Sullivan
Secretaries served under:
James Forrestal(from Sep. 1947)
Denfeld, Louis EmilAdmiralLouis E. Denfeld(1891–1972)
Denfeld, Louis EmilAdmiralLouis E. Denfeld(1891–1972)
No.
11
Name
Denfeld, Louis EmilAdmiralLouis E. Denfeld(1891–1972)
Term
15 December 1947
Term
2 November 1949(relieved)
Term
1 year, 322 days
Background
Submarines
Secretaries served under:
John L. SullivanFrancis P. Matthews
Secretaries served under:
James ForrestalLouis A. Johnson
Sherman, Forrest PercivalAdmiralForrest P. Sherman(1896–1951)
Sherman, Forrest PercivalAdmiralForrest P. Sherman(1896–1951)
No.
12
Name
Sherman, Forrest PercivalAdmiralForrest P. Sherman(1896–1951)
Term
2 November 1949
Term
22 July 1951 †
Term
1 year, 262 days
Background
Battleships/Cruisers-Destroyers
Secretaries served under:
Francis P. Matthews
Secretaries served under:
Louis A. JohnsonGeorge C. Marshall
McCormick, LyndeAdmiralLynde D. McCormick(1895–1956)Acting
McCormick, LyndeAdmiralLynde D. McCormick(1895–1956)Acting
No.
–
Name
McCormick, LyndeAdmiralLynde D. McCormick(1895–1956)Acting
Term
22 July 1951
Term
16 August 1951
Term
25 days
Background
Battleships/Cruisers-Destroyers
Secretaries served under:
Francis P. MatthewsDan A. Kimball
Secretaries served under:
George C. Marshall
Fechteler, WilliamAdmiralWilliam M. Fechteler(1896–1967)
Fechteler, WilliamAdmiralWilliam M. Fechteler(1896–1967)
No.
13
Name
Fechteler, WilliamAdmiralWilliam M. Fechteler(1896–1967)
Term
16 August 1951
Term
17 August 1953
Term
2 years, 1 day
Background
Battleships/Cruisers-Destroyers
Secretaries served under:
Dan A. KimballRobert B. Anderson
Secretaries served under:
George C. MarshallRobert A. Lovett
Carney, RobertAdmiralRobert B. Carney(1895–1990)
Carney, RobertAdmiralRobert B. Carney(1895–1990)
No.
14
Name
Carney, RobertAdmiralRobert B. Carney(1895–1990)
Term
17 August 1953
Term
17 August 1955
Term
2 years, 0 days
Background
Battleships/Cruisers-Destroyers
Secretaries served under:
Robert B. AndersonCharles S. Thomas
Secretaries served under:
Charles Erwin Wilson
Burke, Arleigh AlbertAdmiralArleigh A. Burke(1901–1996)
Burke, Arleigh AlbertAdmiralArleigh A. Burke(1901–1996)
No.
15
Name
Burke, Arleigh AlbertAdmiralArleigh A. Burke(1901–1996)
Term
17 August 1955
Term
1 August 1961
Term
5 years, 349 days
Background
Cruisers-Destroyers
Secretaries served under:
Charles S. ThomasThomas S. Gates Jr.William B. FrankeJohn Connally
Secretaries served under:
Charles Erwin WilsonNeil H. McElroyThomas S. Gates Jr.Robert McNamara
Anderson, George Whelan Jr.AdmiralGeorge W. Anderson Jr.(1906–1992)
Anderson, George Whelan Jr.AdmiralGeorge W. Anderson Jr.(1906–1992)
No.
16
Name
Anderson, George Whelan Jr.AdmiralGeorge W. Anderson Jr.(1906–1992)
Term
1 August 1961
Term
1 August 1963(relieved)
Term
2 years, 0 days
Background
Aviation
Secretaries served under:
John ConnallyFred Korth
Secretaries served under:
Robert McNamara
McDonald, DavidAdmiralDavid L. McDonald(1906–1997)
McDonald, DavidAdmiralDavid L. McDonald(1906–1997)
No.
17
Name
McDonald, DavidAdmiralDavid L. McDonald(1906–1997)
Term
1 August 1963
Term
1 August 1967
Term
4 years, 0 days
Background
Aviation
Secretaries served under:
Fred KorthPaul Nitze
Secretaries served under:
Robert McNamara
Moorer, Thomas HinmanAdmiralThomas H. Moorer(1912–2004)
Moorer, Thomas HinmanAdmiralThomas H. Moorer(1912–2004)
No.
18
Name
Moorer, Thomas HinmanAdmiralThomas H. Moorer(1912–2004)
Term
1 August 1967
Term
1 July 1970
Term
2 years, 334 days
Background
Aviation
Secretaries served under:
Paul R. IgnatiusJohn Chafee
Secretaries served under:
Robert McNamaraClark CliffordMelvin Laird
Zumwalt, ElmoAdmiralElmo R. Zumwalt(1920–2000)
Zumwalt, ElmoAdmiralElmo R. Zumwalt(1920–2000)
No.
19
Name
Zumwalt, ElmoAdmiralElmo R. Zumwalt(1920–2000)
Term
1 July 1970
Term
29 June 1974
Term
3 years, 363 days
Background
Cruisers-Destroyers
Secretaries served under:
John ChafeeJohn WarnerJ. William Middendorf
Secretaries served under:
Melvin LairdElliot RichardsonJames R. Schlesinger
Holloway, JamesAdmiralJames L. Holloway III(1922–2019)
Holloway, JamesAdmiralJames L. Holloway III(1922–2019)
No.
20
Name
Holloway, JamesAdmiralJames L. Holloway III(1922–2019)
Term
29 June 1974
Term
1 July 1978
Term
4 years, 2 days
Background
Aviation
Secretaries served under:
J. William MiddendorfW. Graham Claytor Jr.
Secretaries served under:
James R. SchlesingerDonald RumsfeldHarold Brown
Hayward, Thomas BibbAdmiralThomas B. Hayward(1924–2022)
Hayward, Thomas BibbAdmiralThomas B. Hayward(1924–2022)
No.
21
Name
Hayward, Thomas BibbAdmiralThomas B. Hayward(1924–2022)
Term
1 July 1978
Term
30 June 1982
Term
3 years, 364 days
Background
Aviation
Secretaries served under:
W. Graham Claytor Jr.Edward HidalgoJohn Lehman
Secretaries served under:
Harold BrownCaspar Weinberger
Watkins, JamesAdmiralJames D. Watkins(1927–2012)
Watkins, JamesAdmiralJames D. Watkins(1927–2012)
No.
22
Name
Watkins, JamesAdmiralJames D. Watkins(1927–2012)
Term
30 June 1982
Term
30 June 1986
Term
4 years, 0 days
Background
Submarines
Secretaries served under:
John Lehman
Secretaries served under:
Caspar Weinberger
Trost, CarlisleAdmiralCarlisle A.H. Trost(1930–2020)
Trost, CarlisleAdmiralCarlisle A.H. Trost(1930–2020)
No.
23
Name
Trost, CarlisleAdmiralCarlisle A.H. Trost(1930–2020)
Term
1 July 1986
Term
29 June 1990
Term
3 years, 363 days
Background
Submarines
Secretaries served under:
John LehmanJim WebbWilliam L. BallHenry L. Garrett III
Secretaries served under:
Caspar WeinbergerFrank CarlucciDick Cheney
Kelso, FrankAdmiralFrank B. Kelso II(1933–2013)
Kelso, FrankAdmiralFrank B. Kelso II(1933–2013)
No.
24
Name
Kelso, FrankAdmiralFrank B. Kelso II(1933–2013)
Term
29 June 1990
Term
23 April 1994
Term
3 years, 298 days
Background
Submarines
Secretaries served under:
Henry L. Garrett IIISean O'KeefeJohn H. Dalton
Secretaries served under:
Dick CheneyLes AspinWilliam J. Perry
Boorda, Jeremy MichaelAdmiralJeremy M. Boorda(1939–1996)
Boorda, Jeremy MichaelAdmiralJeremy M. Boorda(1939–1996)
No.
25
Name
Boorda, Jeremy MichaelAdmiralJeremy M. Boorda(1939–1996)
Term
23 April 1994
Term
16 May 1996 †
Term
2 years, 23 days
Background
Cruisers-Destroyers
Secretaries served under:
John H. Dalton
Secretaries served under:
William J. Perry
AdmiralJay L. Johnson (born 1946)
AdmiralJay L. Johnson (born 1946)
No.
–
Name
AdmiralJay L. Johnson (born 1946)
Term
16 May 1996
Term
2 August 1996
Term
78 days
Background
Aviation
Secretaries served under:
John H. DaltonRichard Danzig
Secretaries served under:
William J. PerryWilliam Cohen
21 July 2000
21 July 2000
No.
26
Name
21 July 2000
Term
3 years, 354 days
Clark, VernonAdmiralVernon E. Clark(born 1944)
Clark, VernonAdmiralVernon E. Clark(born 1944)
No.
27
Name
Clark, VernonAdmiralVernon E. Clark(born 1944)
Term
21 July 2000
Term
22 July 2005
Term
5 years, 1 day
Background
Cruisers-Destroyers
Secretaries served under:
Richard DanzigGordon R. England
Secretaries served under:
William CohenDonald Rumsfeld
Mullen, MichaelAdmiralMichael G. Mullen(born 1946)
Mullen, MichaelAdmiralMichael G. Mullen(born 1946)
No.
28
Name
Mullen, MichaelAdmiralMichael G. Mullen(born 1946)
Term
22 July 2005
Term
29 September 2007
Term
2 years, 130 days
Background
Cruisers-Destroyers
Secretaries served under:
Gordon R. EnglandDonald C. Winter
Secretaries served under:
Donald RumsfeldRobert Gates
Roughead, GaryAdmiralGary Roughead(born 1951)
Roughead, GaryAdmiralGary Roughead(born 1951)
No.
29
Name
Roughead, GaryAdmiralGary Roughead(born 1951)
Term
29 September 2007
Term
23 September 2011
Term
3 years, 359 days
Background
Cruisers-Destroyers
Secretaries served under:
Donald C. WinterRay Mabus
Secretaries served under:
Robert GatesLeon Panetta
Greenert, JonathanAdmiralJonathan W. Greenert(born 1953)
Greenert, JonathanAdmiralJonathan W. Greenert(born 1953)
No.
30
Name
Greenert, JonathanAdmiralJonathan W. Greenert(born 1953)
Term
23 September 2011
Term
18 September 2015
Term
3 years, 360 days
Background
Submarines
Secretaries served under:
Ray Mabus
Secretaries served under:
Leon PanettaChuck HagelAsh Carter
Richardson, JohnAdmiralJohn M. Richardson(born 1960)
Richardson, JohnAdmiralJohn M. Richardson(born 1960)
No.
31
Name
Richardson, JohnAdmiralJohn M. Richardson(born 1960)
Term
18 September 2015
Term
22 August 2019
Term
3 years, 338 days
Background
Submarines
Secretaries served under:
Ray MabusRichard V. Spencer
Secretaries served under:
Ash CarterJim Mattis
Gilday, MichaelAdmiralMichael M. Gilday(born 1962)
Gilday, MichaelAdmiralMichael M. Gilday(born 1962)
No.
32
Name
Gilday, MichaelAdmiralMichael M. Gilday(born 1962)
Term
22 August 2019
Term
14 August 2023
Term
3 years, 357 days
Background
Cruisers-Destroyers/Cyberspace
Secretaries served under:
Richard V. SpencerKenneth BraithwaiteCarlos Del Toro
Secretaries served under:
Mark EsperLloyd Austin
AdmiralLisa M. Franchetti (born 1964)
AdmiralLisa M. Franchetti (born 1964)
No.
–
Name
AdmiralLisa M. Franchetti (born 1964)
Term
14 August 2023
Term
2 November 2023
Term
80 days
Background
Cruisers-Destroyers
Secretaries served under:
Carlos Del Toro
Secretaries served under:
Lloyd AustinPete Hegseth
21 February 2025
21 February 2025
No.
33
Name
21 February 2025
Term
1 year, 111 days
Kilby, JamesAdmiralJames W. Kilby(born 1963)Acting
Kilby, JamesAdmiralJames W. Kilby(born 1963)Acting
No.
–
Name
Kilby, JamesAdmiralJames W. Kilby(born 1963)Acting
Term
21 February 2025
Term
25 August 2025
Term
185 days
Background
Cruisers-Destroyers
Secretaries served under:
John Phelan
Secretaries served under:
Pete Hegseth
Caudle, DarylAdmiralDaryl L. Caudle(born 1963)
Caudle, DarylAdmiralDaryl L. Caudle(born 1963)
No.
34
Name
Caudle, DarylAdmiralDaryl L. Caudle(born 1963)
Term
25 August 2025
Term
Incumbent
Term
108 days
Background
Submarines
Secretaries served under:
John Phelan
Secretaries served under:
Pete Hegseth
No.
Portrait
Name
Term
Background
Secretaries served under:
Ref.
Took office
Left office
Duration
Navy
Defense
1
Benson, WilliamAdmiralWilliam S. Benson(1855–1932)
11 May 1915
25 September 1919
4 years, 137 days
Battleships
Josephus Daniels
—
Vacant(25 September 1919 – 1 November 1919)
2
Coontz, RobertAdmiralRobert E. Coontz(1864–1935)
1 November 1919
21 July 1923
3 years, 262 days
Battleships
Josephus DanielsEdwin C. Denby
—
3
Eberle, Edward WalterAdmiralEdward W. Eberle(1864–1929)
21 July 1923
14 November 1927
4 years, 116 days
Battleships
Edwin C. DenbyCurtis D. Wilbur
—
4
Hughes, Charles FrederickAdmiralCharles F. Hughes(1866–1934)
14 November 1927
17 September 1930(resigned)
3 years, 3 days
Battleships
Curtis D. WilburCharles F. Adams III
—
5
Pratt, William VeazieAdmiralWilliam V. Pratt(1869–1957)
17 September 1930
30 June 1933
2 years, 286 days
Battleships
Charles F. Adams IIIClaude A. Swanson
—
6
Standley, William HarrisonAdmiralWilliam H. Standley(1872–1963)
1 July 1933
1 January 1937
3 years, 184 days
Battleships
Claude A. Swanson
—
7
Leahy, WilliamAdmiralWilliam D. Leahy(1875–1959)
2 January 1937
1 August 1939
2 years, 211 days
Battleships
Claude A. SwansonCharles Edison
—
8
Stark, Harold RainsfordAdmiralHarold R. Stark(1880–1972)
1 August 1939
2 March 1942(relieved)
2 years, 213 days
Battleships/Cruisers-Destroyers
Charles EdisonFrank Knox
—
9
King, Ernest JosephFleet AdmiralErnest J. King(1878–1956)
2 March 1942
15 December 1945
3 years, 288 days
Aviation
Frank KnoxJames Forrestal
—
10
Nimitz, ChesterFleet AdmiralChester W. Nimitz(1885–1966)
15 December 1945
15 December 1947
2 years, 0 days
Submarines
James ForrestalJohn L. Sullivan
James Forrestal(from Sep. 1947)
11
Denfeld, Louis EmilAdmiralLouis E. Denfeld(1891–1972)
15 December 1947
2 November 1949(relieved)
1 year, 322 days
Submarines
John L. SullivanFrancis P. Matthews
James ForrestalLouis A. Johnson
12
Sherman, Forrest PercivalAdmiralForrest P. Sherman(1896–1951)
2 November 1949
22 July 1951 †
1 year, 262 days
Battleships/Cruisers-Destroyers
Francis P. Matthews
Louis A. JohnsonGeorge C. Marshall
–
McCormick, LyndeAdmiralLynde D. McCormick(1895–1956)Acting
22 July 1951
16 August 1951
25 days
Battleships/Cruisers-Destroyers
Francis P. MatthewsDan A. Kimball
George C. Marshall
13
Fechteler, WilliamAdmiralWilliam M. Fechteler(1896–1967)
16 August 1951
17 August 1953
2 years, 1 day
Battleships/Cruisers-Destroyers
Dan A. KimballRobert B. Anderson
George C. MarshallRobert A. Lovett
14
Carney, RobertAdmiralRobert B. Carney(1895–1990)
17 August 1953
17 August 1955
2 years, 0 days
Battleships/Cruisers-Destroyers
Robert B. AndersonCharles S. Thomas
Charles Erwin Wilson
15
Burke, Arleigh AlbertAdmiralArleigh A. Burke(1901–1996)
17 August 1955
1 August 1961
5 years, 349 days
Cruisers-Destroyers
Charles S. ThomasThomas S. Gates Jr.William B. FrankeJohn Connally
Charles Erwin WilsonNeil H. McElroyThomas S. Gates Jr.Robert McNamara
16
Anderson, George Whelan Jr.AdmiralGeorge W. Anderson Jr.(1906–1992)
1 August 1961
1 August 1963(relieved)
2 years, 0 days
Aviation
John ConnallyFred Korth
Robert McNamara
17
McDonald, DavidAdmiralDavid L. McDonald(1906–1997)
1 August 1963
1 August 1967
4 years, 0 days
Aviation
Fred KorthPaul Nitze
Robert McNamara
18
Moorer, Thomas HinmanAdmiralThomas H. Moorer(1912–2004)
1 August 1967
1 July 1970
2 years, 334 days
Aviation
Paul R. IgnatiusJohn Chafee
Robert McNamaraClark CliffordMelvin Laird
19
Zumwalt, ElmoAdmiralElmo R. Zumwalt(1920–2000)
1 July 1970
29 June 1974
3 years, 363 days
Cruisers-Destroyers
John ChafeeJohn WarnerJ. William Middendorf
Melvin LairdElliot RichardsonJames R. Schlesinger
20
Holloway, JamesAdmiralJames L. Holloway III(1922–2019)
29 June 1974
1 July 1978
4 years, 2 days
Aviation
J. William MiddendorfW. Graham Claytor Jr.
James R. SchlesingerDonald RumsfeldHarold Brown
21
Hayward, Thomas BibbAdmiralThomas B. Hayward(1924–2022)
1 July 1978
30 June 1982
3 years, 364 days
Aviation
W. Graham Claytor Jr.Edward HidalgoJohn Lehman
Harold BrownCaspar Weinberger
22
Watkins, JamesAdmiralJames D. Watkins(1927–2012)
30 June 1982
30 June 1986
4 years, 0 days
Submarines
John Lehman
Caspar Weinberger
23
Trost, CarlisleAdmiralCarlisle A.H. Trost(1930–2020)
1 July 1986
29 June 1990
3 years, 363 days
Submarines
John LehmanJim WebbWilliam L. BallHenry L. Garrett III
Caspar WeinbergerFrank CarlucciDick Cheney
24
Kelso, FrankAdmiralFrank B. Kelso II(1933–2013)
29 June 1990
23 April 1994
3 years, 298 days
Submarines
Henry L. Garrett IIISean O'KeefeJohn H. Dalton
Dick CheneyLes AspinWilliam J. Perry
25
Boorda, Jeremy MichaelAdmiralJeremy M. Boorda(1939–1996)
23 April 1994
16 May 1996 †
2 years, 23 days
Cruisers-Destroyers
John H. Dalton
William J. Perry
–
AdmiralJay L. Johnson (born 1946)
16 May 1996
2 August 1996
78 days
Aviation
John H. DaltonRichard Danzig
William J. PerryWilliam Cohen
26
2 August 1996
21 July 2000
3 years, 354 days
27
Clark, VernonAdmiralVernon E. Clark(born 1944)
21 July 2000
22 July 2005
5 years, 1 day
Cruisers-Destroyers
Richard DanzigGordon R. England
William CohenDonald Rumsfeld
28
Mullen, MichaelAdmiralMichael G. Mullen(born 1946)
22 July 2005
29 September 2007
2 years, 130 days
Cruisers-Destroyers
Gordon R. EnglandDonald C. Winter
Donald RumsfeldRobert Gates
29
Roughead, GaryAdmiralGary Roughead(born 1951)
29 September 2007
23 September 2011
3 years, 359 days
Cruisers-Destroyers
Donald C. WinterRay Mabus
Robert GatesLeon Panetta
30
Greenert, JonathanAdmiralJonathan W. Greenert(born 1953)
23 September 2011
18 September 2015
3 years, 360 days
Submarines
Ray Mabus
Leon PanettaChuck HagelAsh Carter
31
Richardson, JohnAdmiralJohn M. Richardson(born 1960)
18 September 2015
22 August 2019
3 years, 338 days
Submarines
Ray MabusRichard V. Spencer
Ash CarterJim Mattis
32
Gilday, MichaelAdmiralMichael M. Gilday(born 1962)
22 August 2019
14 August 2023
3 years, 357 days
Cruisers-Destroyers/Cyberspace
Richard V. SpencerKenneth BraithwaiteCarlos Del Toro
Mark EsperLloyd Austin
–
AdmiralLisa M. Franchetti (born 1964)
14 August 2023
2 November 2023
80 days
Cruisers-Destroyers
Carlos Del Toro
Lloyd AustinPete Hegseth
33
2 November 2023
21 February 2025
1 year, 111 days
–
Kilby, JamesAdmiralJames W. Kilby(born 1963)Acting
21 February 2025
25 August 2025
185 days
Cruisers-Destroyers
John Phelan
Pete Hegseth
34
Caudle, DarylAdmiralDaryl L. Caudle(born 1963)
25 August 2025
Incumbent
108 days
Submarines
John Phelan
Pete Hegseth

References

  1. In capacity as Vice Chief of Naval Operations.
  2. Appointed as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
  3. Served prior as Vice Chief of Naval Operations.
  4. U.S. Navy
    https://www.navy.mil/Leadership/Flag-Officer-Biographies/BioDisplay/Article/2236204/admiral-daryl-caudle/
  5. "Chief of Naval Operations"
    https://web.archive.org/web/20060402220158/https://www.navy.mil/navydata/leadership/cno_resp.asp
  6. "10 USC 5033. Chief of Naval Operations"
    https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/5033-
  7. Legal Information Institute
    https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/5035
  8. "10 USC 5013(f). Secretary of the Navy"
    https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/5013-#f
  9. "10 USC 165. Combatant commands: administration and support"
    https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/165-
  10. Legal Information Institute
    https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/5033
  11. Hone & Utz, p. 3.
  12. J. A. S. Grenville. Diplomacy and War Plans in the United States, 1890–1917. Transactions of the Royal Historical Societ
    https://www.jstor.org/pss/3678748
  13. Hone & Utz, p. 6-7.
  14. Hone & Utz, p. 5.
  15. Hone & Utz, p. 8.
  16. Hone & Utz, p. 7-8.
  17. Hone & Utz, p. 10.
  18. Hone & Utz, p. 9.
  19. International Military Digest
    https://books.google.com/books?id=IAU8AQAAIAAJ
  20. Hone & Utz, p. 11.
  21. "The Chiefs of Naval Operations and Admiral's House, Volume 2"
    https://books.google.com/books?id=TzXWAAAAMAAJ&dq=adm+richard+wainwright+aide+for+operations+1910&pg=PA11
  22. Hone & Utz, p. 12: On 10 February 1913, with just three weeks remaining to the Taft presidency, Meyer appointed Rear Adm
  23. Hone & Utz, p. 13.
  24. Hone & Utz, p. 14.
  25. Hone & Utz, p. 14-15.
  26. Hone & Utz, p. 15.
  27. Hone & Utz, p. 32.
  28. Hone & Utz, p. 25.
  29. Hone & Utz, p. 34.
  30. Hone & Utz, p. 25-26.
  31. Hone & Utz, p. 29.
  32. Hone & Utz, p. 47-48.
  33. Hone & Utz, p. 31.
  34. the final form of which was agreed by Daniels and the secretary of war, Newton D. Baker
  35. Hone & Utz, p. 33.
  36. Hone & Utz, p. 47.
  37. Hone & Utz, p. 25 "Benson had three subordinates (one captain and two lieutenants), no clerical staff, and primitive off
  38. California Digital Newspaper Collection
    https://cdnc.ucr.edu/?a=d&d=SDI19100420.2.11&e=-------en--20--1--txt-txIN--------1
  39. Hone & Utz, p. 36.
  40. Hone & Utz, p. 44.
  41. Hone & Utz, p. 45.
  42. Hone & Utz, p. 46.
  43. Naval History and Heritage Command
    https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/people/chiefs-of-naval-operations/admiral-william-s--benson.html
  44. Hone & Utz, p. 73.
  45. Hone & Utz, p. 83.
  46. Hone & Utz, p. 57.
  47. Naval History and Heritage Command
    https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/people/chiefs-of-naval-operations/admiral-william-v--pratt.html
  48. Hone & Utz, p. 28.
  49. Hone & Utz, p. 93.
  50. Hone & Utz, p. 94.
  51. Hone & Utz, p. 99.
  52. Hone & Utz, p. 100.
  53. Hone & Utz, p. 101.
  54. Hone & Utz, p. 109.
  55. Hone & Utz, p. 106.
  56. Hone & Utz, p. 107.
  57. The New York Times
    https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1936/11/11/88083939.html?pageNumber=53
  58. Borneman 2012, p. 239-240.
  59. Borneman 2012, p. 258.
  60. O'Brien 2019, p. 109.
  61. Adams 1985, p. 90.
  62. The New York Times
    https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1936/02/23/87914167.html?pageNumber=1
  63. Borneman 2012, p. 280.
  64. "The Vice President's Residence"
    https://web.archive.org/web/20091021225638/http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/vp_residence/
  65. navy.mil Archived 22 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine Chief of Naval Operations − Responsibilities. Retrieved 3 July 201
    https://navcms.news.navy.mil/navydata/leadership/cno_resp.asp
  66. Legal Information Institute
    https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/5033
  67. Legal Information Institute
    https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/5031
  68. Legal Information Institute
    https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/5032
  69. Legal Information Institute
    https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/8036
  70. Swartz, p. 51.
  71. U.S. Navy
    https://www.secnav.navy.mil/donhr/About/Senior-Executives/Biographies/Haeuptle,%20A.pdf
  72. Google Books
    https://books.google.com/books?id=nTrUFj0EcosC&dq=adm+richard+wainwright+aide+for+operations&pg=PA564
  73. Lists of Commanding Officers and Senior Officials of the US Navy
    https://web.archive.org/web/20071218005946/http://www.history.navy.mil/faqs/faq35-1.htm
  74. The American Presidency Project
    https://web.archive.org/web/20210613055035/https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/letter-accepting-the-resignation-admiral-charles-f-hughes-chief-naval-operations
  75. The Virginian-Pilot
    https://scholar.lib.vt.edu/VA-news/VA-Pilot/issues/1996/vp960605/06050360.htm
  76. Aspen Institute
    https://web.archive.org/web/20221004103451/https://www.aspeninstitute.org/events/us-navy-time-change-featuring-chief-naval-operations-admiral-gary-roughead/
  77. The Florida Times-Union
    https://web.archive.org/web/20221004103211/https://www.jacksonville.com/story/news/military/2011/09/28/greenert-becomes-cno/15888589007/
  78. USNI News
    https://web.archive.org/web/20211024192723/https://news.usni.org/2015/09/18/richardson-becomes-new-chief-of-naval-operations-greenert-retires-after-40-years
  79. U.S. Navy
    https://web.archive.org/web/20221004102515/https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/Press-Releases/display-pressreleases/Article/2238737/gilday-relieves-richardson-as-cno/
  80. DVIDS
    https://www.dvidshub.net/webcast/32585
  81. DVIDS
    https://www.dvidshub.net/news/457088/secnav-del-toro-statement-swearing-adm-lisa-franchetti-33rd-chief-naval-operations
  82. USNI News
    https://news.usni.org/2025/02/21/joint-chiefs-chair-cq-brown-cno-franchetti-relieved
Image
Source: —
Tip: Wheel or +/− to zoom, drag to pan, Esc to close.