REED. Mr. President, I rise to express my support for three military leaders whom we will soon be voting on: ADM Lisa Franchetti, Gen. David Allvin, and Lt. Gen. Christopher Mahoney. These are some of the finest leaders our Nation has to offer, and America is stronger because of their service and their sacrifice.

I am particularly proud to support the nomination of ADM Lisa Franchetti to be the next Chief of Naval Operations. Admiral Franchetti brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this position. She has served in leadership roles at every level throughout the Navy, both ashore and at sea, and with postings around the globe. She has served as commander of U.S. Naval Forces Korea; commander of Carrier Strike Group 9; commander of Carrier Strike Group 15; commander of U.S. Sixth Fleet; commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe and U.S. Naval Forces Africa; and director for strategy, plans, and policy on the Joint Staff, among many other operational roles. She has worked her way up the ranks in the U.S. Navy. She has commanded at sea. She has accepted and has excelled at every challenge that is presented to her. She is superbly prepared to be the Chief of Naval Operations.

As the current Vice Chief and now as the Acting Chief of Naval Operations, she brings an important perspective on the key challenges for the Navy. Her understanding of the Joint Force and the Navy's ever- expanding role within it will be critical. I want to acknowledge the historic nature of Admiral Franchetti's nomination. If confirmed, she will be the first woman to serve as CNO and the first woman on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. I am glad we have reached this moment.

At every step of her career, Admiral Franchetti has been a trailblazer and a team builder who focuses on the mission, leads by example, and gets the job done. She is an inspiration to many and someone who will always put the security of our Nation and all who defend it first--first before herself, first before anything else. Those are the qualities that make an outstanding officer and an outstanding leader.

Indeed, the Navy faces a dangerous and evolving global security environment. Threats from Russia, Iran, North Korea, and violent extremist groups remain persistent, and the Navy has an important role to play in addressing them. But the clear, pacing challenge for our naval forces is China. In the Indo-Pacific and in seas and ports around the world, the U.S. Navy will continue to be the first line of deterrence and defense against China's expanding global ambitions.

I am confident that Admiral Franchetti has the skills and experience to meet this challenge and provide the Nation's sailors, their families, and Navy civilian employees with the leadership they deserve. I urge my colleagues to vote for Admiral Franchetti's nomination.