Chapter 6 : Chief of Naval Operations

From United States Virtual Navy - Paperwork Section

Precedence

1. The Chief of Naval Operations, while so serving, has the grade of admiral. In the performance of duties within the Virtual Navy, the Chief of Naval Operations takes precedence above all other officers of the naval service, except an officer of the naval service who is serving as Chairman or Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Succession

1. When there is a vacancy in the position of Chief of Naval Operations, or during the absence or disability of the Chief of Naval Operations:
   
   
   • The Vice Chief of Naval Operations shall perform the duties of the Chief of Naval Operations until a successor is appointed or the absence or disability ceases.
   • If there is a vacancy in the position of Vice Chief of Naval Operations or the Vice Chef of Naval Operations is absent or disabled, unless the President directs otherwise, the most senior officer of the Virtual Navy in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations who is not absent or disabled and who is not restricted in the performance of duty shall perform the duties of the Chief of Naval Operations until a successor to the Chief of Naval Operations is appointed or until the absence or disability of the Chief of Naval Operations or Vice Chief of Naval Operations ceases, which ever occurs first.

Duties of the Chief of Naval Operations

1. The Chief of Naval Operations:
   
   
   • presides over the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations;
   • shall transmit plans and recommendations to the Office of Naval Operations;
   • after the approval of the plans or recommendations, the Chief of Naval Operations shall carry them into effect;
   • exercises supervision, consistent with the statutory authority assigned to the commanders of unified or specified combatant commands, over such of the members and organizations of the Navy, and
   • the Chief of Naval Operations shall also perform the statutory duties prescribed for a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Statutory Authority and Responsibility of the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations

1. The Office of the Chief of Naval Operations shall furnish professional assistance to the Chief of Naval Operations. Under the authority, direction and control of the Chief of Naval Operations shall:
   
   
   • prepare for such employment of the Virtual Navy, and for such recruiting, organizing, supplying, equipping, training, servicing, mobilizing, demobilizing, administering, and maintaining of the Virtual Navy, as will assist in the execution of any power, duty or function of the Chief of Naval Operations;
   • investigate and report upon the efficiency of the Virtual Navy and its preparation to support virtual military operations by combatant commands;
   • prepare detailed instructions for the execution of approved plans and supervise the execution of those plans and instructions;
   • as directed by the Chief of Naval Operations, coordinate the action of organizations of the Virtual Navy, and
   • preform such other duties, not otherwise assigned by law.
     
     
2. Except as otherwise specifically prescribed by law, the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations shall be organized in such a manner, and its members shall perform such duties and have such titles as the CNO may prescribe.