Title 10 › Subtitle Subtitle C— Navy and Marine Corps › Part I— ORGANIZATION › Chapter 805— OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS › § 8035
The President, with the Senate’s approval, appoints a Vice Chief of Naval Operations from active Navy officers above the rank of captain who are able to 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 of the Navy’s approval, gives the Vice Chief duties and authority. Orders the Vice Chief gives for those duties have the same force as the Chief’s orders. If the Chief’s job is empty or the Chief is absent or disabled, the Vice Chief performs the Chief’s duties until a successor is appointed or the Chief returns. If the Vice Chief is also unavailable, the most senior able officer in the Chief’s office acts as Chief unless the President says otherwise.
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Armed Forces — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
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10 U.S.C. § 8035
Title 10 — Armed Forces
Last Updated
Apr 3, 2026
Release point: 119-73not60