Adm. Bill Moran, the Vice Chief of Naval Operations (VCNO), has been nominated as the next Chief of Naval Operations, the Pentagon said on Thursday.

Moran, who has been VCNO since May 2016, would replace Adm. John Richardson if confirmed by the Senate. Previously, Moran served as Chief of Naval Personnel from 2013 to 2016 and Director of Air Warfare on the staff of the CNO. Richardson has been CNO since September 2015, after serving as Director of Naval Reactors. 

 

Vice Chief of Naval Operations (VCNO) Adm. Bill Moran.

The Pentagon also said Vice Adm. Robert Burke, Chief of Naval Personnel, has been nominated as admiral to succeed Moran as VCNO. Burke has been serving as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Manpower, Personnel, Training, and Education (N1) since May 2016.

Burke previously was Commodore of Submarine Development Squadron 12, Director of Joint and Fleet Operations N3/N5 at U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Commander of Submarine Group 8, and Director of Military Personnel Plans and Policy (OPNAV N13).