Lisa Franchetti facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lisa Franchetti
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Official portrait, 2024
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| Born | 25 April 1964 Rochester, New York, U.S. |
| Allegiance | United States |
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United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1985–2025 |
| Rank | Admiral |
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Lisa Marie Franchetti ( fran-KEH-ti; born 25 April 1964) is a highly respected United States Navy admiral. She made history as the 33rd Chief of Naval Operations, serving from November 2, 2023, to February 21, 2025. This important role made her the first woman to lead the Navy and the first woman to be part of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Before becoming the Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Franchetti was the 42nd Vice Chief of Naval Operations from September 2022 to November 2023. She also served as the acting Chief of Naval Operations for a few months in 2023.
Admiral Franchetti is a "surface warfare officer," meaning she specializes in naval ships. Her career includes leading the United States Sixth Fleet and commanding groups of ships called carrier strike groups. She was also in charge of United States Naval Forces Korea. She is the second woman in the U.S. Navy to reach the rank of four-star admiral.
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Early Life and Education
Lisa Franchetti was born on April 25, 1964, in Rochester, New York. Her family has Italian heritage. She went to Northwestern University in Illinois. While there, she was part of the rowing team. She also joined the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) program. This program helps college students become officers in the Navy. She officially became an officer in 1985.
Admiral Franchetti has several degrees. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Northwestern University. She also has a Master of Arts degree in national security and strategic studies from the Naval War College. Additionally, she holds a master's degree in organizational management from the University of Phoenix.
Admiral Franchetti has had many important jobs on ships and at naval bases. Early in her career, she worked on various ships like the USS Shenandoah (AD-44) and USS Monongahela (AO-178). She also served as an operations officer on the USS Moosbrugger (DD-980).
She commanded two ships: the USS Ross (DDG-71) and Destroyer Squadron 21. She also led Pacific Partnership 2010, a mission where the hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH-19) provided medical help to different countries.
When she was not at sea, Admiral Franchetti held many leadership roles on land. She worked at the United States Naval Academy, helping train future officers. She also worked for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, which advises the President on military matters. She even served as an aide to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations.
As a high-ranking admiral, she commanded United States Naval Forces Korea. She also led Carrier Strike Group 9 and Carrier Strike Group 15, which are large groups of warships led by an aircraft carrier. She was also in charge of the United States Sixth Fleet, based in Italy. This fleet is responsible for naval operations in Europe and Africa.
While leading the U.S. Sixth Fleet, Admiral Franchetti oversaw a historic event. For the first time, Tomahawk missiles were launched from a Virginia-class submarine. The submarine USS John Warner fired these missiles at targets in Syria.
In May 2020, she was chosen to be the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Development. In April 2022, she was nominated to become a full admiral and the Vice Chief of Naval Operations. The Senate approved her promotion in May 2022, and she started this role in September 2022.
On July 21, 2023, President Biden nominated her to become the Chief of Naval Operations. When the previous Chief retired on August 14, 2023, Admiral Franchetti became the acting Chief. The Senate officially confirmed her on November 2, 2023. On the same day, she was sworn in, becoming the first woman to hold this top Navy position. This also made her the first woman to serve on the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Her time as the 33rd Chief of Naval Operations concluded on February 21, 2025.
Personal Life
Admiral Franchetti is married to James Sievert. She enjoys running as a way to relax and stay fit.
In June 2024, Admiral Franchetti was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer after a routine check-up. She had surgery in July 2024. During her recovery, she temporarily handed over her duties to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral James Kilby. She completed her radiation therapy and began other treatments in September 2024.
Admiral Franchetti shared her gratitude for her medical team. She also stressed the importance of getting regular health check-ups. She said, "I am blessed that this was detected early and will forever be an advocate for early and routine screening."
Awards and Honors
Admiral Franchetti has received many awards for her outstanding service in the Navy. Some of her most notable awards include:
- Defense Distinguished Service Medal
- Navy Distinguished Service Medal
- Defense Superior Service Medal (with one bronze oak leaf cluster)
- Legion of Merit (with four gold award stars)
- Meritorious Service Medal (with a silver award star)
- Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (with three award stars)
- Joint Meritorious Unit Award (with two oak leaf clusters)
- Order of National Security Merit, Cheonsu Medal (from the Republic of Korea)
Images for kids
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Seal of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
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Surface Warfare Officer Insignia
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal ribbon
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal ribbon
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Defense Superior Service Medal ribbon
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Legion of Merit ribbon
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Meritorious Service Medal ribbon
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Navy and Marine Corps Commendation ribbon
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Navy and Marine Corps Achievement ribbon
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Joint Meritorious Unit Award ribbon
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Navy Unit Commendation ribbon
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Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation ribbon
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Battle Effectiveness Award ribbon, 3rd award.svg
Battle Effectiveness Award ribbon
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National Defense Service Medal ribbon
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Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal ribbon
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Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary ribbon
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Global War on Terrorism Service ribbon
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Korea Defense Service Medal ribbon
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Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
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Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon
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U.S. Coast Guard Special Operations Service Ribbon
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Cheon-Su Security Medal Ribbon
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U.S. Navy Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon
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Command at Sea insignia
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See also
- Women in the United States Navy
