US: President Biden’s historic decision, Admiral Lisa Franchetti will become the first woman to lead the Navy

Taking a historic decision, US President Joe Biden on Friday nominated Admiral Lisa Franchetti to lead the Navy. Her move will break the gender barrier in the US military, making her the first woman to command the service and become a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Pentagon officials were also surprised by Biden’s decision

This decision of Biden is surprising. Pentagon officials had widely expected the nomination to go to Admiral Samuel Paparo, who leads the Navy in the Pacific and has experience in dealing with the growing threat from China. Nevertheless, Franchetti, currently the deputy chief of naval operations, was among the candidates believed to be in the running for the position.

Biden mentioned Franchetti’s 38 years of experience

Officials said Franchetti is widely respected. He has extensive experience including as Commander, US Naval Forces Korea. In a statement, Biden cited Franchetti’s 38 years of experience. They said,

Throughout his career, Admiral Franchetti has demonstrated wide-ranging expertise in both the operational and policy areas. She was the second woman to achieve the rank of four-star admiral in the US Navy.

Linda Fagan becomes first woman to lead US Coast Guard

Last year, Biden selected Admiral Linda Fagan to lead the US Coast Guard, making her its first female commanding officer, but the Coast Guard is not formally part of the Defense Department. Instead it falls under the Department of Homeland Security.

Franchetti to become first woman to join Joint Chiefs of Staff

Franchetti will become the first woman to head a military service within the Department of Defense and join the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a group of eight top uniformed service members who advise the president on military issues.