Navy Adm. Daryl Caudle assumed duties as the 34th chief of naval operations (CNO) during an official ceremony held at the Washington Navy Yard on Monday. The event was attended by more than 300 senior Defense Department leaders, guests, and family members.
The chief of naval operations is a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and serves as an advisor to the president, the National Security Council, the Homeland Security Council, and the secretary of defense. The CNO is responsible for the command, resource utilization, and operational efficiency of U.S. naval forces worldwide.
"As I step into the role as your 34th chief of naval operations, I do so with great pride, immense gratitude and an absolute focus on the mission ahead," Caudle said in a video message released to the fleet before the ceremony.
During the event, Caudle outlined his vision for the Navy, emphasizing a focus on sailors, operational readiness, and fleet modernization.
"The sailor will be front and center in my vision throughout my tenure as CNO — hands down, no exception," he said. "To ensure that they are ready to fight and win decisively — today, tomorrow and well into the future — we will view everything we do we through an operational lens focused on three priorities: the foundry, the fleet and the way we fight."
Secretary of the Navy John Phelan presided over the ceremony and served as keynote speaker.
"Admiral Caudle, 'the honey badger,' is the right man for the job," said Phelan. "He has a reputation for challenging the status quo, demanding results and refusing to accept excuses. I look forward to seeing that relentlessness pursuit of excellence and persistence pervade the halls of the Pentagon."
Caudle’s previous assignments over his 40-year naval career include commanding U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Submarine Forces, and Submarine Force Atlantic.
He succeeds Adm. Jim Kilby, who served as acting CNO from February to August 2025.
