President Joe Biden has named Deputy Chief of Naval Operations Lisa Franchetti as the next Chief of Naval Operations, according to U.S. officials, who is poised to break two glass ceilings. If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Franchetti would be the first female CNO and the first woman to serve on the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Biden announced Friday his intention to nominate Franchetti, the most recent military secretary nomination during the summer leadership transition. He also said he would nominate Vice Admiral James Kilby to replace Franchetti as deputy CNO, Admiral Samuel Paparo to command Indo-Pacific Command, and Vice Admiral Steven “Webb” Koehler to command U.S. Pacific Fleet.

But with Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) putting the nominations for senior military officers on hold, all nominations could remain on hold for an extended period of time. The suspension, which Mr. Tuberville put in protest against Pentagon policies on female reproductive medicine, poses a threat to military leadership. The Marine Corps is the first in more than 100 years without a Senate-approved leader, and Army Chief of Staff James McConville is expected to take over responsibilities on Aug. 4 without an approved successor.

Biden called on the Senate to quickly approve his nomination.

“These leadership positions are too important to delay recruitment while one senator prioritizes domestic political agendas over military preparedness,” he said in a statement Friday.

After four years as Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Mike Gilday is required by law to retire by August 22nd.

Franchetti will take the lead as the navy faces a growing wave of Chinese aggression and a plethora of problems in the shipbuilding industry, from underpowered shipyards to underdeveloped ships.

A native of New York, Franchetti graduated with a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University and was commissioned through the school’s Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps in 1985, according to the Navy’s official biography. She has previously served as commander of the US Navy in Korea, commander of the US 6th Fleet, and served as director of strategy, planning and policy for the Joint Staff.

“Throughout her career, Admiral Franchetti has demonstrated extensive expertise in both operational and policy areas,” Biden said in a statement, adding that she was “the second woman in history to hold the rank of four-star admiral in the U.S. Navy.”

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, who is credited with recommending Paparo for CNO, said he was “extremely proud” of Franchetti’s historic nomination, adding: “She will continue to inspire us all.”

Paparo, who has led the Pacific Fleet since May 2021, was named Indopakom Secretary instead. Mr. Paparo assumed his current position just months after the Pentagon reported that China now has more warships than the United States. Tensions between the US and China have only increased since then, as evidenced by June’s close call in the Taiwan Strait.

According to the Navy’s official biography, Paparo graduated from Villanova University and was commissioned in 1987. He flew F-14 Tomcats, F-15C Eagles, F/A-18 Hornets, and led a rural reconstruction team in Afghanistan with US soldiers.

Mr. Kilby, deputy commander of the U.S. Fleet Command, was selected to replace Mr. Franchetti as deputy commander of naval operations. Kilby, who graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1986, served as commander of the Carl Vinson Strike Group and assistant chief of naval operations for combat requirements and capabilities, according to the Navy’s official biography.

Koehler, who will be named commander of the Pacific Fleet, previously served as the fleet’s deputy commander. The Navy aviator flew F-14 Tomcats and F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, and also commanded the U.S. Third Fleet, according to official Navy biographies. He currently serves as Director of Strategy, Planning and Policy for the Joint Staff.