The second highest civilian official at the Navy is stepping down next month, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro said on July 3.
“Erik Raven has been a true leader in executing the Department of the Navy’s top priorities. He has demonstrated unfailing commitment to protecting our Nation, strengthening our Navy and Marine Corps Team, and building enduring warfighting advantages. His expertise ensured our naval forces are equipped with the capabilities to deter and, if necessary, prevail decisively in time of war, while also ensuring the welfare of our service members, civilians, and their families,” Del Toro said in a statement.
Raven has held the post of Under Secretary of the Navy since April 2022. In this position, Raven has served as the Navy Department’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Management Officer and is responsible for oversight, business operations, performance management, risk management and policy for defense and naval strategy. This encompasses operations and policy for intelligence, special access programs, space activities, critical infrastructure, small business programs and the naval audit service.
“For the past two years his steadfast leadership has been a driving force for actions that will have long-lasting, positive impacts, not just for the United States but also for our Allies and partners. His efforts contributed significantly to the AUKUS trilateral security partnership, the largest-ever investment in shipbuilding, improving Guam’s infrastructure to support defense in the INDOPACOM region, as well as improving the Department of Navy’s business operations, optimizing information management and cyber operations while improving efficiency,” The Navy Secretary continued.
Previously, Raven served as a principal adviser to the Democratic Chairs and Vice-Chairs of the Senate Appropriations Committee Defense subcommittee on Defense Department and intelligence community subjects. Earlier in his career, Raven was an adviser in the offices of Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.) Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.).
Del Toro’s statement gave no reason for why Raven is leaving the position, only writing that ““our national security, Navy, and Marine Corps are stronger because of his service. We wish him the best in his future endeavors.”
The Navy did not immediately say who would succeed Raven on an acting basis. Without a confirmed successor, the role will typically fall to another Senate-confirmed civilian position on a temporary basis.
Given the election season and summer schedules it is unlikely a new Undersecretary of the Navy will be nominated and confirmed before the election in November.
The Navy did not provide Defense Daily any further details on when Raven will specifically vacate his position or who will take over on an acting basis once Raven leaves the Navy.