Navy Secretary Richard Spencer has received White House approval to nominate three-star Navy Adm. Michael Gilday to become the next Chief of Naval Operations, Defense News reported Thursday.
If confirmed by the Senate, Gilday, currently the Director of the Joint Staff, would be promoted over several four-star colleagues who will remain in their current roles. Gilday and other senior Navy leaders met with President Donald Trump on Wednesday where they received his approval to move forward his promotion and nomination, according to the report.
Gilday’s appointment to CNO would replace the Navy’s current top military official, Adm. John Richardson.
Richardson was originally scheduled to be replaced Aug. 1 by Adm. Bill Moran.
Last week Moran abruptly declined the appointment and requested retirement after Spencer raised new questions about Moran exercising poor judgment involving a past professional relationship.
Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Robert Hartland
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