Ending a months-long leadership gap, the Senate confirmed Adm. Daryl Caudle as the new chief of naval operations in a Thursday night voice vote.
According to Military.com, his confirmation ends a nearly six-month vacancy left after the abrupt firing of Adm. Lisa Franchetti, the first woman to hold the Navy’s top job.
Franchetti was dismissed in February by President Donald Trump. This action generated controversy due to the lack of an official explanation from either the White House or Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The Trump administration waited about five months before submitting a nominee to replace her, contributing to the extended vacancy at the highest level of Navy leadership.
Adm. Caudle, who had been leading the U.S. Fleet Forces Command since 2021, appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committee last week. During the hearing, senators discussed vital naval issues, including shipbuilding delays, shipyard maintenance backlogs, and strained munitions supply chains. While some Democrats briefly mentioned Franchetti’s dismissal, the hearing largely focused on future challenges for the naval force.
Franchetti’s Removal Raised Few Public Answers
Neither Trump nor Hegseth gave a public rationale for firing Franchetti, who had made history as the Navy's first female chief. In previous written materials, however, Hegseth suggested that Franchetti had been selected more for political appearance than for her qualifications. Her exit left a significant leadership void as global naval challenges continued to grow.
Caudle’s confirmation comes amid a broader round of military appointments aimed at stabilizing command posts across the armed services. Alongside Caudle, the Senate also approved the nomination of Lt. Gen. Shawn Bratton as the next vice chief of the U.S. Space Force. That appointment follows the selection of Gen. Michael Guetlein to head a major missile defense initiative known as the Golden Dome project.
At his Senate hearing, Caudle stated he was prepared to offer his military counsel even if it differed from political leadership. "I am ready to do that," he told lawmakers. "I think it's an obligation. I've sworn an oath to do that, and if confirmed, I will do that with my utmost ability."
New Naval Chief Wants Focus on Sailor Welfare
Throughout his written statements to the committee, Caudle emphasized that improving the lives of service members under his command would remain a central concern. He noted that in his current role overseeing Fleet Forces, he had prioritized quality of life for sailors. He intends to carry that approach into his tenure as chief of naval operations.
Caudle also addressed operational challenges, including issues he previously raised in 2023 about U.S. and allied ammunition production. At that time, his remarks sparked discussions about whether the Pentagon could effectively support military needs in Ukraine without compromising U.S. fleet readiness. A Navy spokesperson later clarified Caudle’s comments to ease diplomatic concerns.
As commander of Fleet Forces, Caudle also dealt with rising mental health concerns across the service. Under his leadership, the Navy launched new initiatives to improve psychological support on ships and at regional treatment centers, a commitment praised by some within the military community.
Background in Submarine Command Informs Caudle’s Leadership
Caudle brings decades of operational experience to the Navy’s highest uniformed role. Before leading Fleet Forces, he served as the commander of Naval Submarine Forces. During that time, he was the senior-most officer in the submarine community, overseeing one of the most technologically advanced components of the military.
His nomination did not receive significant opposition and was widely regarded as noncontroversial. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle expressed support for his deep experience and balanced approach to leadership. The voice vote on Thursday avoided the procedural delays that have affected some other military nominations this year.
By closing the leadership vacuum created when Franchetti exited, Caudle’s appointment marks a return to continuity in naval operations. His experience managing complex logistical and personnel systems is expected to be an asset as the Navy deals with modernization needs and geopolitical competition.
Confirmation Comes During a Complex Global Landscape
The timing of Caudle’s elevation comes as the Navy balances increasing demands in the Indo-Pacific and ongoing operations supporting Ukraine. In addition, military branches face increased scrutiny from Congress over budgetary and procurement decisions. Members of the Senate cited these concerns during Caudle’s confirmation process, emphasizing the need for strategic clarity.
Caudle acknowledged in his testimony that the service faces immediate readiness and supply issues, particularly in areas like ship maintenance and materials buildup. He expressed a commitment to confronting those shortcomings and guiding long-term reforms. He also indicated a desire to build improved partnerships with industry over deckplate-level challenges.
As one of the most senior officers in the military, the chief of naval operations serves both as a strategic planner and top advisor to the president and the defense secretary. Caudle’s capacity to offer objective military guidance during tense policy decisions was a point frequently raised during his confirmation process.
Senate Clears Backlog of High-Level Military Appointments
Caudle’s confirmation was part of a broader effort to reduce vacancies across top military posts. Alongside the Space Force and Navy appointments, other roles within major defense programs are expected to be filled in upcoming weeks. The Senate has been under pressure to act quickly after prolonged personnel gaps attracted criticism from defense experts.
In closing remarks to senators, Caudle reiterated that his main goal is to sustain mission readiness while ensuring service members are heard and supported. "In my current role as commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, I have made sailor quality of life a top priority and will continue to do so," he wrote to lawmakers.
With his background in both submarines and surface fleet operations, Caudle now assumes responsibility for steering the Navy through a period of rapid change. His decisions over the next months could shape personnel reforms and long-term defense policies alike.
