Lisa Franchetti facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Lisa Franchetti
Official portrait, 2024
Born	(1964-04-25) 25 April 1964 (age 61) Rochester, New York, U.S.
Allegiance	United States
Service/branch	United States Navy
Years of service	1985–2025
Rank	Admiral
Commands held	Chief of Naval Operations Vice Chief of Naval Operations United States Sixth Fleet Carrier Strike Group 15 Carrier Strike Group 9 United States Naval Forces Korea Destroyer Squadron 21 USS Ross (DDG-71)
Awards	Defense Distinguished Service Medal Navy Distinguished Service Medal Defense Superior Service Medal (2) Legion of Merit (5)
Alma mater	Northwestern University (BS) Naval War College (MA) University of Phoenix (MS)

Lisa Marie Franchetti (/fræn.kˈɛti/ fran-KEH-ti; born 25 April 1964) is a retired United States Navy admiral. She served as the 33rd Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) from November 2023 to February 2025. This was a very important role in the U.S. Navy.

Admiral Franchetti made history as the first woman to be the Chief of Naval Operations. She was also the first woman to join the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This group includes the top military leaders in the United States.

Before becoming CNO, she was the 42nd Vice Chief of Naval Operations. She held this position from September 2022 to November 2023. She also served as the acting CNO for a few months in 2023.

Admiral Franchetti is a surface warfare officer. This means she specialized in commanding ships. She led the United States Sixth Fleet and other important naval groups. She was also the second woman in the U.S. Navy to become a four-star admiral.

Early Life and Education

Where Admiral Franchetti Grew Up

Lisa Franchetti was born on April 25, 1964, in Rochester, New York. Her family has Italian heritage.

Her College Years and Navy Start

She went to Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. There, she studied journalism. While in college, she was part of the crew 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 a Navy officer in 1985.

Further Education and Learning

Admiral Franchetti has several college degrees. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Northwestern University in 1985. She also has a Master of Arts degree from the Naval War College. This degree focused on national security and strategy. Later, she earned another master's degree in organizational management from the University of Phoenix.

Admiral Franchetti's Navy Career

Franchetti is sworn in as the 33rd Chief of Naval Operations on 2 November 2023

Admiral Franchetti had many different jobs during her Navy career. She worked on several ships, including the USS Shenandoah (AD-44) and USS Monongahela (AO-178). She also served as an operations officer on the USS Moosbrugger (DD-980).

Leading Ships and Squadrons

She commanded two ships: the USS Ross (DDG-71) and Destroyer Squadron 21. A destroyer squadron is a group of destroyer ships. She also led Pacific Partnership 2010, a mission that provided humanitarian aid.

Important Roles on Land

When she was not at sea, Admiral Franchetti held many important positions on land. She worked at the United States Naval Academy. She also served on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, helping with strategy and planning. She was an assistant to the Secretary of the Navy.

Becoming a Flag Officer

After becoming a "flag rank" officer (a high-ranking admiral), she took on even bigger roles. She commanded United States Naval Forces Korea. She also led Carrier Strike Group 9 and Carrier Strike Group 15. These groups include aircraft carriers and their escort ships.

She also commanded the United States Sixth Fleet. This fleet operates in Europe and Africa. During her time leading the Sixth Fleet, she oversaw the use of Tomahawk missiles fired from a submarine. These missiles were used against targets in Syria.

Rising to Top Leadership

In May 2020, she was nominated for a new role: Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Development. This job focused on how the Navy fights and trains.

In April 2022, she was nominated to become an 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 be the next Chief of Naval Operations (CNO). When the previous CNO retired in August 2023, Admiral Franchetti became the acting CNO. The Senate confirmed her as the CNO on November 2, 2023. On that same day, she was sworn in. This made her the first woman to be the CNO and the first woman to serve on the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Admiral Franchetti retired from the Navy in April 2025, after more than 40 years of service.

Personal Life

Admiral Franchetti is married to James Sievert. She also has one child. For exercise and relaxation, she enjoys running.

Health and Advocacy

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 gave her authority to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations. She completed her treatment and began maintenance therapy.

She shared her experience to encourage others. Admiral Franchetti said she was thankful for her doctors and that her cancer was found early. She became a strong supporter of regular health screenings.

Awards and Decorations

Admiral Franchetti received many awards and decorations during her long and distinguished career in the Navy. These awards recognize her bravery, leadership, and service.

See also

In Spanish: Lisa Franchetti para niños

• Women in the United States Navy