The CNO is a member of the Joint Chief of Staff and serves as an advisor to the President of the United States, the National Security Council, the Homeland Security Council, and the Secretary of Defense and is responsible for the command, utilization of resources, and operating efficiency of worldwide naval forces and shore activities.
“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 to the Fleet, released shortly before the ceremony.
During the ceremony he further discussed his priorities of 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,” said Caudle during the ceremony. “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 acted as the presiding officer and keynote speaker of the ceremony highlighting the importance of the Navy and the prioritization of future shipbuilding development.
“Admiral Caudle, ‘the honey badger,’ is the right man for the job,” said Secretary 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.”
During his remarks Caudle emphasized his gratitude to his family and especially his wife, Donna Caudle, for their steadfast support throughout his 40-year career.
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