Lisa Franchetti takes over as acting Navy head - despite not being the first choice of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin Chief of Naval Ops. Adm. Mike Gilday retired and handed the torch to Navy Admiral Lisa Franchetti in a ceremony Franchetti will serve in acting capacity until officially confirmed by the Senate Franchetti is one of over 300 military officers whose nominations are on hold in the Senate By Noa Halff For Dailymail.Com Published: 00:11, 15 August 2023 | Updated: 07:28, 15 August 2023 e-mail 80 shares 13 View comments The first woman took over as chief of the US Navy in 'acting capacity,' even though Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin nominated someone else for the role. Chief of Naval Ops. Adm. Mike Gilday retired and handed the torch to Navy Admiral Lisa Franchetti, who will serve in an acting capacity until officially confirmed by the Senate after her nomination by President Joe Biden . If confirmed, Franchetti would make history as the first woman to serve on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Biden chose Adm. Lisa Franchetti to lead the Navy, an unprecedented choice that goes against the recommendation of his Pentagon chief, who suggested Adm. Samuel Paparo, who is the current commander of the Navy’s Pacific Fleet. Franchetti is one of over 300 military officers whose nominations are on hold in the Senate following challenges from Alabama Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville. The first woman took over as chief of the US Navy in 'acting capacity,' following a ceremony at the US Naval Academy in Maryland Chief of Naval Ops. Adm. Mike Gilday retired and handed the torch to Navy Admiral Lisa Franchetti, who will serve in acting capacity until officially confirmed by the Senate Her stall in Congress comes after an eight-month blockade on military promotions put in place by Tuberville, who is fighting against a new Pentagon policy regarding reproductive services. Franchetti, who has served as vice chief since September 2022, indicated if confirmed, she would move forward Gilday's push to modernize the Navy. 'Your vision and transformational leadership these past four years has laid the foundation on which we are building our Navy's readiness for today while designing the fleet of tomorrow,' Franchetti said speaking at the Naval Academy in Maryland. 'We look to the horizon and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead, I will act with a sense of urgency to ensure our sailors have everything they need to maintain our warfighting edge,' she added. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, and Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday stand at attention during a relinquishment of office ceremony at the United States Naval Academy on Monday If confirmed, Franchetti would make history as the first woman to serve on the Joint Chiefs of Staff Biden chose Adm. Lisa Franchetti to lead the Navy, an unprecedented choice that goes against the recommendation of his Pentagon chief who suggested Adm. Samuel Paparo, the current commander of the Navy’s Pacific Fleet When the confirmation would occur is unclear. 'The character of war is changing. But our Navy team is adapting at speed. If we continue to act with urgency and purpose along with our allies and partners, we will meet any challenge,' Gilday said in his speech during the ceremony. 'I am proud that she will be my CNO,' he added. 'She is a fleet sailor, an operator, a warfighter. She has already made the Navy better as our vice chief of Naval operations, the Navy is in good hands with her at the helm.' Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the conformation on hold marks a 'painful milestone' in his speech at the ceremony. 'This is unprecedented. It is unnecessary. And it is unsafe,' he said. When the confirmation would occur is unclear at this time U.S. Marine Corps Col. Speros Koumparakis, commanding officer, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, speaks to Franchetti in December 2022 'This sweeping hold is undermining America's military readiness. It's hindering our ability to retain our very best officers. And it's upending the lives of far too many American military families.' President Joe Biden nominated Admiral Franchetti to serve as chief of naval operations one month ago. The unprecedented choice would make her the first woman to be a Pentagon service chief and the first female member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Biden's decision contradicts that of his Pentagon chief. In June, Austin recommended the Navy's highest-ranking officer go to a man over a woman - who was widely believed to be the front-runner. Admiral Samuel Paparo serves as the commander of the Pacific Fleet and was reportedly tapped by Austin for Chief of Naval Operations over Franchetti. Franchetti is one of over 300 military officers whose nominations are on hold in the Senate following a hold from Alabama Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin recommended the Navy's highest-ranking job go to Adm. Samuel Paparo, instead of Franchetti, a woman who was the front-runner Franchetti serves as vice chief of naval operations and was considered the top pick for the role since she was the Navy's No. 2 officer. It is unclear why Austin chose Paparo over Franchetti, but Navy spokesman Rear Admiral Ryan Perry called it 'a presidential decision.' 'The United States Navy has several highly qualified senior leaders, and it would be inappropriate to speculate which leader the president will nominate to serve as the next chief of naval operations,' Perry said. Franchetti, has broad command and executive experience and 'was considered by insiders to be the top choice for the job,' according to the Associated Press in July. In a statement, Biden emphasized the historical significance of her selection and said 'throughout her career, Admiral Franchetti has demonstrated extensive expertise in both the operational and policy arenas.' Share or comment on this article: Lisa Franchetti takes over as acting Navy head - despite not being the first choice of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin e-mail 80 shares Add comment Comments 13 Share what you think Newest Oldest Best rated Worst rated View all The comments below have been moderated in advance. View all The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. Add your comment Enter your comment By posting your comment you agree to our house rules . Submit Comment Clear Close Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. 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