For the First Time in History, the U.S. Navy Could Be Led by a Woman

For the first time in history, the U.S. Navy could be led by a woman. President Joe Biden has nominated Admiral Lisa Franchetti for the position of Chief of Naval Operations.

“She is the second woman in history to attain the rank of a four-star admiral in the U.S. Navy. If her nomination is confirmed, she will once again enter history as the first woman to hold the position of Chief of Naval Operations and to be included in the Joint Chiefs of Staff,” states Biden's announcement, which is cited by the White House press service.

According to Reuters, Biden's decision was unexpected; the Pentagon had anticipated that Admiral Samuel Paparo, the current commander of the Pacific Fleet with experience in countering growing challenges from China, would assume the role of Chief of Naval Operations.