Caudle and Mahoney to Fill Key Military Leadership Roles Amid Ongoing Confirmation Delays
The Biden administration has announced nominations for two major military leadership positions: Adm. Daryl Caudle, the current commander of US Fleet Forces, to become the 34th chief of naval operations (CNO), and Marine Corps Gen. Christopher Mahoney to serve as the next vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The announcements, made quietly via a congressional website, mark pivotal steps in shaping the future leadership of the U.S. military.
Caudle’s Nomination Reflects Continuity in Naval Command
Adm. Caudle, a seasoned submariner, oversees the Navy’s four-star operational command based out of Norfolk, Virginia. His career includes stints as commander of submarine forces, deputy commander of US 6th Fleet, and vice director for strategy, plans, and policy on the Joint Staff. The nomination was first reported by USNI News and signifies a potential continuity in naval leadership following recent turbulence.
Notably, his appointment follows the removal of Adm. Lisa Franchetti—who made history as the first woman on the Joint Chiefs—alongside other top military officials earlier this year. She was relieved from her post on February 21, with Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Kim Kilby serving as interim CNO.
Mahoney’s Experience and Replacement of Outgoing Vice Chairman
Marine Corps Gen. Christopher Mahoney, the assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, is also being considered for the vice chair role, which will succeed Adm. Chris Grady when his term concludes later this year. Mahoney’s extensive career includes leadership roles as deputy commander of Marine Forces Pacific, director of strategy and plans at Headquarters Marine Corps, deputy commander of U.S. Forces Japan, and commanding general of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.
Confirmation Process Still Pending Amid Congressional Delays
While the nominations mark significant leadership appointments, they remain pending confirmation. The Navy and the Office of the Secretary of Defense have yet to respond to inquiries from Breaking Defense, and the Senate Armed Services Committee has not scheduled hearings. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed Caudle’s nomination during a Senate hearing but did not elaborate further.
Meanwhile, the Navy continues to await Senate confirmation for civilian leader Hung Cao, who is slated to be the service’s second-most senior civilian official—adding to the broader backlog of military nominations awaiting Senate approval.
High-Level Uncertainty Over Key Military Leadership Appointments
In his testimony, Secretary Hegseth reassured that the Biden administration is actively working to appoint the best candidates for critical roles, including recent high-level discussions around selecting a new leader for U.S. Cyber Command, another key post with ongoing vacancies. As leadership confirmation remains delayed, questions about the pace and timing of these appointments continue to loom over the Pentagon’s strategic planning.
