Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has fired Adm. Lisa Franchetti, the first female officer to lead the US Navy’s top job of chief of naval operations, amid a shake-up in the military leadership.
Admiral Franchetti had spent nearly half her 40-year career at sea, commanding ships and units in various regions. She became the 33rd chief of naval operations on November 2, 2023, following extensive operational and policy experience highlighted by President Biden during her nomination.
Hegseth said he would also replace Gen. James C. Slife, the Air Force’s vice chief of staff, as well as top uniformed lawyers for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Both Admiral Franchetti and General Slife have had distinguished careers, with Hegseth thanking them for their service.
The firing comes amid a pattern of personal animus towards high-ranking military officers from President Trump, including some who retired years ago. Trump has shown hostility towards senior officers, with some facing death threats or revocation of security details due to controversy surrounding his interactions with foreign officials.
Admiral Franchetti’s departure marks a rare firing of a service chief, following in the footsteps of another female four-star admiral fired less than 24 hours after President Trump’s second inauguration.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/21/us/politics/hegseth-navy-lisa-franchetti.html