Nominating the first female member of the joint chiefs is a historic move for a president that has prioritized diversity since the beginning of his administration. At the Pentagon alone, Biden has nominated the first black Defense secretary (Austin), the first female deputy Defense secretary (Kathleen Hicks) and the first black officer to lead a military service (Air Force Gen. C.Q. Brown).
But the decision was not an easy one. Although Franchetti, who currently serves as the Navy’s No. 2 officer, was an early frontrunner for the top Navy job, Austin earlier this year recommended Paparo for the role instead. As commander of the Navy’s Pacific Fleet, Paparo has focused on the Pentagon’s most pressing challenge: China’s growing naval power.
Read more at Politico.