Why Was Lisa Franchetti Fired? Inside the Navy Leadership Change

Admiral Lisa Franchetti made history in 2023 when she became the first woman to serve as Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) and the first woman on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. She had a long and respected career, leading strike groups, fleets, and overseas missions during her 40 years of service.

Was Lisa Franchetti Fired?

Yes, On February 21, 2025, news broke that Lisa Franchetti was fired from her position as Chief of Naval Operations. The move came as part of a major Pentagon shake-up under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and President Donald Trump.

Franchetti was removed the same day as Gen. CQ Brown (Chairman of the Joint Chiefs) and Gen. James Slife (Air Force Vice Chief). After being relieved of duty, she retired in April 2025.

Why Was Lisa Franchetti Fired?

The Pentagon did not give a detailed explanation, but several factors are being discussed:

• Leadership purge – Her firing was part of a wider removal of senior officers.
• Policy differences – Reports suggest leaders connected to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs were targeted.
• Gender concerns – After her dismissal, no women held four-star ranks in the U.S. military, raising questions about gender balance in leadership.
• Political influence – Some analysts argue the move was more about politics than performance.

Who Replaced Lisa Franchetti?

• Vice Admiral James Kilby briefly served as the acting Chief of Naval Operations.
• In August 2025, Admiral Daryl Caudle officially became the new Chief of Naval Operations, filling the role permanently.

Reaction and Debate

The decision that Lisa Franchetti was fired has sparked strong reactions:

• Supporters of the shake-up say it was needed to bring new focus on readiness and accountability.
• Critics argue the move undermines stability, politicizes the military, and erases hard-won progress for women in top roles.
• Veterans and lawmakers have expressed concerns about what this means for morale and recruitment.

Why Lisa Franchetti Fired Matters

This firing was historic and controversial:

• She was the first woman ever to lead the Navy and the first female member of the Joint Chiefs.
• Her removal leaves the top ranks of the U.S. military without female representation.
• It highlights a shift in Pentagon leadership priorities under the new administration.

Conclusion

The story of lisa franchetti fired is more than a personnel change – it marks a turning point for the U.S. Navy and for women in military leadership. Admiral Franchetti’s removal in February 2025, followed by her retirement in April, ended a groundbreaking career but left open questions about politics, diversity, and the future direction of America’s armed forces.

Today, Admiral Daryl Caudle serves as Chief of Naval Operations, but the impact of Franchetti’s firing will be felt for years to come.