Leadership

The Secretary of Defense is the top civilian leader who supervises the entire military, sets policy, oversees national defense operations, and ensures Navy leadership follows proper military direction. 

The Under Secretary of Defense is the second-in-command of the entire military, helping lead and manage the defense organization while supporting the Secretary of Defense. 

The Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) is the highest civilian leader responsible for overseeing the entire Navy and Marine Corps. The Secretary of the Navy reports directly to the Secretary of Defense. 

The Under Secretary of the Navy (USECNAV) is the second-highest civilian authority within the Department of the Navy. This position serves directly below the Secretary of the Navy and helps oversee the management, policy, and operations of the entire naval branch. 

The Assistant Secretary of the Navy (ASN) is a senior civilian official within the Department of the Navy who supports both the Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) and the Under Secretary of the Navy (USECNAV) in managing major functions of the naval branch. 

The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) is the highest-ranking uniformed officer in the Navy and the senior military advisor to the Secretary of the Navy. The CNO is responsible for overseeing the operational readiness, organization, training, and overall performance of the entire Navy. 

The Vice Chief of Naval Operations (VCNO) is the second-highest-ranking uniformed officer in the Navy, directly below the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO). The VCNO serves as the CNO’s principal deputy and assists in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the entire Navy. 

The Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) is the highest-ranking enlisted sailor in the entire Navy. The MCPON serves as the senior enlisted advisor to the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) and the Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) on all matters affecting enlisted personnel. 

The Chief of Naval Personnel (CNP) is a senior flag officer responsible for overseeing all personnel matters within the Navy. The CNP manages recruitment, training, promotion systems, assignments, and overall sailor support across the entire branch. 

The Inspector General of the Navy (IG) is the senior official responsible for oversight, accountability, and integrity within the Navy. The IG ensures that all naval operations, personnel, and commands follow proper regulations, ethical standards, and lawful conduct. 

The Deputy Inspector General of the Navy (DIG) is the second-highest official within the Office of the Naval Inspector General. The DIG supports the Inspector General (IG) in overseeing investigations, audits, inspections, and all matters related to accountability and integrity within the Navy.