CNO vetted flag requests retirement

The 4-star admiral who had been confirmed to become Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) on Aug. 1 will retire, a downfall prompted by what Navy Secretary (SECNAV) Richard Spencer called poor judgment regarding a professional relationship. Adm. William Moran’s sudden retirement may also add to a perception of turmoil among the Defense Department’s senior leadership, coming less than a month after Pat Shanahan abruptly withdrew his name from consideration to be Defense Secretary (SECDEF) after serving as acting secretary for six months. Leaders of the military services, both civilian and uniformed, play lesser roles involving national security than SECDEF. They are responsible for ensuring that service personnel are trained, equipped, and prepared for combat. Adm. Moran had been vetted for promotion to become CNO, nominated by President Trump and confirmed by the Senate in May to succeed current CNO Adm. John Richardson and a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Instead, Moran said in a written statement July 7 that he told SECNAV Spencer he decided to decline the appointment and requested retirement. (Source: The AP 07/07/19)