Hegseth fires Navy’s top officer, Air Force No. 2

Source: Breaking Defense

Date: February 24, 2025

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The firings of Adm. Lisa Franchetti and Gen. James Slife follows tonight's removal of Gen. CQ Brown as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

WASHINGTON — Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth today announced he was removing Adm. Lisa Franchetti as the chief of naval operations, unceremoniously ending early the tenure of the first woman to become a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

In addition, Hegseth said he would be replacing Gen. James Slife, the Air Force’s No. 2 officer, as well as replacing the top Judge Advocate General for the Army, Air Force and Navy.

“I am also requesting nominations for the positions of Chief of Naval Operations and Air Force Vice Chief of Staff. The incumbents in these important roles, Admiral Lisa Franchetti and General James Slife, respectively, have had distinguished careers,” Hegseth said in a Friday statement. “We thank them for their service and dedication to our country.”

“We are also requesting nominations for the Judge Advocates General for the Army, Navy and Air Force,” Hegseth added.

Trump and his supporters, including Hegseth, have repeatedly talked about ridding the military of general officers they deem as “woke.” Franchetti’s firing follows that of Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, who Trump removed as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff minutes before Hegseth’s announcement.

In January, the administration removed former Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Linda Fagan within hours of taking power, citing her focus on DEI, among other things. Vice Chief Adm. Kevin Lunday is serving as the interim commandant.

Tonight’s announcement marks the early end of the first woman to serve as a service chief.