“A good Navy is not a provocation to war. It is the surest guaranty of peace.” – President Theodore Roosevelt

The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) is the Navy’s senior flag officer. It is a statutory office held by a four-star admiral in the United States Navy and is responsible to the Secretary of the Navy for the command, utilization of resources and operating forces of the Navy and of the Secretary’s designated Navy shore activities.

The CNO stands as military adviser and deputy to the Secretary of the Navy. A member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the CNO is the principal adviser to the President of the United States, the Secretary of Defense and to the Secretary of the Navy on the conduct of naval warfare. The Chief of Naval Operations is considered as the highest ranking officer on active-duty in the U.S. Navy.

The President appoints the CNO, confirmed via majority vote by the Senate. Qualifications include significant experience in joint duty assignments, which covers at least one full tour of duty in a joint duty assignment as a flag officer. In rare circumstances, the President may waive such requirements if the officer is proven to be necessary for national interest.

Before the position of CNO, the Aide for Naval Operations first served the naval function. The post was established by Act of Congress in 1915 with Admiral William S. Benson as the first Chief of Naval Operations.

From 1923, the CNO lived at Number One Observatory Circle on the grounds of United States Naval Observatory. This arrangement continued until 1974, when Congress made it the official residence of the Vice President.

Hand carved and hand painted mahogany wood plaque. Perfect as a wall plaque or podium plaque. Fantastic additions to any memorabilia collection. Recessed hook enables the plaque to hang flush against any wall.