Overview

• Caudle assumed the post during an Aug. 25 ceremony at the Washington Navy Yard presided over by Navy Secretary John Phelan.
• In remarks to the fleet, he pledged to put sailors at the center of decisions and to drive operational readiness and fleet modernization.
• Phelan endorsed Caudle’s approach, highlighted the need to accelerate shipbuilding, and warned that competitors are closing the gap.
• The appointment restores a permanent CNO after months with Vice Chief Adm. Jim Kilby serving in an acting capacity; both Caudle and Phelan praised Kilby’s leadership.
• As CNO, Caudle joins the Joint Chiefs and oversees worldwide naval forces; his prior commands include U.S. Fleet Forces Command the NavyNavy’s Submarine Force.