Senate Confirms Adm. Caudle Navy Chief, Bratton Space Force Vice Chief

The U.S. Senate unanimously confirmed Adm. Daryl Caudle as the chief of naval operations, ending a nearly six-month vacancy following President Donald Trump's firing of Adm. Lisa Franchetti. Caudle, a career submariner and current commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command, testified about challenges including submarine industrial base capacity and prioritized sailor quality of life. His confirmation was briefly delayed by Senator Dan Sullivan, who lifted his hold after discussions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, reportedly in connection to reopening the Adak naval base in Alaska to counter regional threats. Alongside Caudle, Lt. Gen. Shawn Bratton was confirmed as vice chief of the Space Force, Marine Corps Maj. Gen. David Bligh as judge advocate general of the Navy, and Lt. Gen. Michael Borgschulte as superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy. Additionally, Vice Adm. Frank Bradley, a Navy SEAL, was confirmed as commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, emphasizing the integration of advanced technologies and joint capabilities among SOF, space, and cyber domains. These confirmations fill key Pentagon leadership roles amid a focus on modernization and strategic competition.