Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on President Biden's Nominations
Today, President Biden announced his intent to nominate four highly-qualified, senior naval officers to key positions critical to the success of our formidable military power.
Admiral Franchetti, Admiral Paparo, Vice Admiral Kilby, and Vice Admiral Koehler represent the best of the United States Navy. Together, these four highly decorated naval officers have extensive operational and command experience. Indeed, I have seen firsthand how these highly-qualified officers have contributed to our national security. And I'm very proud that Admiral Franchetti has been nominated to be the first woman Chief of Naval Operations and member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, where she will continue to inspire all of us.
If confirmed, these nominees will ensure that our U.S. Navy and the joint force in the Indo-Pacific remain the finest military force that the world has ever known, and will be at the very heart of our work to project power around the world, defend freedom of the seas, and uphold the rules-based international order.
