This opinion is mine alone, shared as a generational “peer” of CNO Franchetti, and is certainly a biased view as a Surface Warfare Officer, but also as a colleague. Please note that I titled it “how I feel” - not trying to tell anyone else how to feel, but to provide insight into my own experience. I make no assumptions about how ADM Franchetti felt - or feels - about these events.
Some background. I met then LCDR Franchetti decades ago through a chance encounter. Her former husband was my relief as Executive Officer (XO) in USS COLE (DDG 67) about 3 months before the ship left on deployment in 2000. In October of that year a friend came to my cubicle at the Navy War College and asked “Hey, weren’t you XO on the COLE? They just got blown up (his words)!” Although I was no longer assigned to the ship, those were my shipmates; I went to the Dean and said “I don’t know why, but I need to go to Norfolk”. My wife and I drove down from Newport and jumped in to assist as families gathered and awaited news of their loved ones. At the helm of this effort was LCDR Lisa Franchetti, stationed (as I recall) at U.S. Fleet Forces, showing empathy and calm as she navigated the challenges of communicating between the Navy and the families. The week culminated with a memorable service as many of the crew reassembled in Norfolk to honor the fallen and reunite with families. Her strength and fortitude then made an indelible impression on me, especially knowing that Chris was still in harm’s way.
I watched her rise through the ranks over the years, following the typical path of a successful SWO, with command at multiple levels and proven leadership excellence at every step, culminating in being named as our 42nd Chief of Naval Operations. I only saw her once after that, at a leadership conference in San Diego. Now retired, I listened to her short speech and lined up to ask a question (it was going to be about adding RESPECT as a Navy Core Value). Before I could get to my place at the microphone, a young female enlisted Sailor shared that she was just there to say “thank you” for being such a notable example of overcoming adversity and achieving success at such a high level. She said “I just can’t believe I’m in the same room with you!”. Spontaneously, the CNO said “Come on up here for a hug!”. The audience exploded in applause, and I sat back down. It was her moment, and not my place to spoil it.
Like each of her predecessors, CNO Franchetti inherited a host of challenges, from shipbuilding to housing to personnel shortages; none of her making. She also provided clear guidance and priorities in the form of a Navigation Plan for the Navy. Were there other qualified candidates? Absolutely. Was she completely qualified? Absolutely.
Then the “DEI Purge” firings began and the rumors started. General Brown fell, then Admiral Fagan and others. Bets were placed. What would happen if CNO were fired? A “Revolt of the Admirals?” Or silence? Then the hammer fell.
The day CNO Franchetti was fired, I submitted my own retirement retirement papers. With no plausible explanation given, the real reason was clear: she was a woman. SECDEF had even called her a “DEI hire” in a past statement. By taking her down, a message was sent to all women in the military: you are not worthy, not welcome, not wanted. By removing women and minorities in high positions, more junior women lost advocates, mentors and allies - but most importantly, role models in whose steps they can follow and ascend to higher leadership levels. Other “anti-DEI messages” followed: no support for affinity or support groups, no monthly celebrations, no Trans service-members. No chits for those with PFB. These decisions have nothing to do with lethality and everything to do with power and control.
But how did I FEEL about this event? A few thoughts:
Sad. The day it happened, I was saddened on two levels - for my colleague and for the Navy.
Angry. Angry at the Administration for what I saw as a petty and reckless action.
Afraid. Afraid for others, including myself, who had been vocally and visibly supportive of DEI initiatives. I have seen this come to fruition, for example in the recent “reassignment” of the USNA Superintendent.
Determined. This was the tipping point for submitting my retirement paperwork as a GS. It represented an organizational split from my own core values that I could not live with. But others still have to serve. My advice to them is linked here.
Disappointed. I thought more of her peers would speak up, but in retrospect I understand that such a situation would have led to more dismissals and created an even larger crisis for the Navy. They stayed and continue to lead.
For perspective, I am USNA Class of ‘84. My year was the first class to have a female valedictorian. When they announced her at graduation, almost no one clapped. My class also set the record for the longest time to climb Herndon. We had a couple of women who were close to the top, but somehow they kept getting pulled down. That was 1984. It feels like Deja Vu.
I knew in my heart that life will go on - for Lisa, for me, for the Navy - but the feelings from that day have not dissipated. Other actions by DOD leadership have amplified them in some ways, as they diminish the contributions of our Naval leaders past and present. This gesture was a purely symbolic one, designed to send a message - we are watching you, and you serve at our whim.
Epitaph: as with any external pressure, an opportunity exists to push back and to grow. Just as her first Captain who (according to CNO Franchetti in an interview) told her “Women don’t belong here” instilled a will to succeed that led to her becoming the first woman CNO, many women and minority leaders will be inspired to push back harder and succeed where they are. With the nomination of Admiral Daryl Caudle and the interim leadership of ACNO Kilby, the adage that “no one is irreplaceable” holds true: the Navy is in good hands and will be OK. Admiral Franchetti received the news of her dismissal with grace and humility, leaving with her head held high and a legacy of servant leadership that will long outlast her tenure. She will land on her feet and continue to inspire. But the damage to the organization is done.
The signal is in the air, but I hope it will change. We all deserve better.
I wonder as well. What has been just as troubling is the silence of the retired flag community and various groups affiliated with the Navy/USNA. Martin Niemoller’s speech/poem should be tattooed on everyone’s forehead, “ and than they came for me “.
Interesting. What would drive the Flag Officers to resign in mass. Not sure anymore.