Rochester native Lisa Franchetti has been confirmed by the Senate to serve as the Chief of Naval Operations and will be the first woman ever to lead the United States Navy.
“Today, the Senate has taken a historic step in confirming Rochester’s own and esteemed Pittsford Mendon High School grad, Admiral Lisa Franchetti, as the next Chief of Naval Operations,” said U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer. “An exceptional leader with a distinguished career serving our nation, Admiral Franchetti’s confirmation makes her the first woman ever to lead the United States Navy – marking a significant milestone in our military’s history. Admiral Franchetti’s confirmation is a testament to her expertise, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the defense and security of the nation, and I am confident that her leadership will inspire the next generation of women and men who aspire to serve in the U.S. Navy. I am proud to have supported Admiral Franchetti’s nomination, whose vast experience and strategic vision make her exceptionally well-qualified for this critical role, and I look forward to working with her to protect our national interests and ensure the safety and readiness of our Navy.”
Franchetti is a 1981 graduate of Pittsford Mendon High School, who has risen through the ranks to become a trailblazing leader in the U.S. Navy. She received her commission in 1985 through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Program at Northwestern University, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Journalism. She also holds a master’s degree in organizational management from the University of Phoenix. Throughout her career, Admiral Franchetti held a variety of key positions in the U.S. Navy. Her sea duty assignments include service on the USS Yosemite (AD 19), USS Detroit (AOE 4), USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), and USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Her leadership positions onshore include serving as an executive assistant to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development, and Acquisition), as well as leadership roles in the Bureau of Naval Personnel and the Joint Staff. Additionally, Admiral Franchetti served as the commander of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet from 2018 to 2019, and she assumed the duties as Vice Chief of Naval Operations Sept. 2, 2022.
Her personal awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
