Title 10 › Subtitle Subtitle C— - Navy and Marine Corps › Part PART I— - ORGANIZATION › Chapter CHAPTER 805— - OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS › § 8035
The President, with Senate approval, picks the Vice Chief of Naval Operations from active-duty Navy officers above the rank of captain who can command at sea. While serving, the Vice Chief holds the rank of admiral but keeps their permanent rank. The Chief of Naval Operations, with the Secretary's approval, gives the Vice Chief duties and authority, and the Vice Chief's orders carry the same force as the Chief's. If the Chief is absent or the job is vacant, the Vice Chief acts as Chief; if both top jobs are unavailable, the most senior available officer in the Chief's office acts unless the President orders otherwise.
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Armed Forces — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
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Reference
Citation
10 U.S.C. § 8035
Title 10 — Armed Forces
Last Updated
Apr 6, 2026
Release point: 119-73