Historical Precedent: After the Army and Marines, the US Navy Also Left Without a Leader

(Patria) - The US Navy has become the third branch of the military to be without a Senate-confirmed leader for the first time in history, as a Republican senator continues to block military nominations.

Retired Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Mike Gilday stepped down from command on Monday. The Navy, Army, and Marines are now without a confirmed leader, Reuters reports.

“This is unprecedented. It is unnecessary. And it is unsafe,” said US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin during a change of command ceremony at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville, who represents Alabama, has blocked hundreds of military nominations, saying the Pentagon improperly uses state funds to cover travel expenses for abortions for service members and their dependents.

“This… undermines US military readiness. It hinders our ability to retain our best officers and upends the lives of too many American military families,” Austin added.

President Joe Biden has nominated Admiral Lisa Franchetti to lead the Navy, a historic step that would break a gender barrier in the US military by making her the first woman to command a service branch and become a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff if and when the Senate confirms her. Until then, she will lead the Navy in an acting capacity.

After the US Supreme Court last year overturned the landmark 1973 “Roe v. Wade” decision recognizing a constitutional right to abortion, the Pentagon said it would cover travel expenses for service members seeking abortions and grant them up to 21 days of leave.

Several states have restricted access to abortion since “Roe v. Wade” was overturned, and the military argues that women in service cannot choose where they are stationed.

Senate approval of military promotions usually proceeds smoothly. Tuberville’s hold cannot prevent the Democratic-majority Senate from voting on any promotion, but it can drastically slow the process.