Former Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti spoke to staff after the Trump administration ousted her and other top leaders at the Pentagon Friday, asserting that the Navy’s mission will continue “unabated and undisrupted.”

Franchetti, who is the first female to hold the position of chief of Naval Operations and serve on the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the United States, called leading the Sea Service an “honor of a lifetime”. She thanked Navy Sailors for their support of the U.S.

In a LinkedIn posting that was deleted, Franchetti said, “We are America’s Warfighting Navy. America counts on us to defend its National Security interests and preserve our Way of Life.” Franchetti had been the Navy’s highest-ranking officer since 2023. We operate around the world, 24/7, from the seafloor to space. “Our mission is unabated, undisturbed…There’s no time to waste.”

The Navy confirmed that after publication, the message was never intended for social media. A U.S. official familiar with the situation said the message had been sent to “a small group” of senior Navy officers and staff but was never intended for wider distribution.

The U.S. official stated in a press release that “she did not direct or post the message on LinkedIn.” The message was posted improperly by a junior employee who had access to the LinkedIn account but didn’t have the authorization to post content from Admiral Franchetti’s Friday email.

Franchetti was appointed as an officer in the Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps while a Northwestern University student. She said in Navy Times 2023 that she was introduced to ROTC scholarships by other ROTC members at a BBQ during the freshman orientation.

Women were not allowed to serve on aircraft or combat ships at the time she was commissioned. Instead, they were assigned to oilers and destroyer-tenders. Congress, however, repealed this law in 1993. This allowed women such as Franchetti the opportunity to hold top leadership roles in the Navy.

Franchetti, who wrote on LinkedIn, said: “I originally joined to get free books and college, but stayed because of our mission and to have the opportunity to do something bigger than myself. I also wanted to join amazing teams and be a part of the most deadly fighting force in the world, America’s Warfighting Navy.”

Franchetti served in the U.S. Navy as the commander of Naval Forces Europe and Africa, which is under U.S. Naval Forces Europe & Africa, and Commander of U.S. 6th Fleet. Naval Forces Europe & Africa.

The Trump Administration also removed Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Jim Slife and Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff General CQ Brown on Friday.

Hegseth said both Franchetti as well as Slife had “distinct careers” and asked for nominations.

Hegseth, in a statement released on Friday, said: “We are grateful for their dedication and service to our nation.”

James Kilby, Vice Chief of Naval Operations, announced that he will take on the responsibilities for the Navy’s top position until a replacement is found.

Kilby stated in a Saturday statement that “the work of our Navy will continue without interruption. We will maintain forward-deployed, lethal forces to enhance peace and deter adversaries.”

Fox News Digital’s request for comment was not responded to immediately by the Navy. Franchetti’s new assignment is still unclear.

Hegseth did not provide additional comments on Franchetti’s career or her but described her in his book The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayed of the Men Who Keep Us Free, published in 2024, as “a DEI hire.”

Hegseth announced on Friday that President Donald Trump intends to nominate retired Air Force Lieutenant General Dan “Razin Caine” to replace Brown. Caine, Hegseth said, represents the “warfighter’s ethos” that the U.S. Military needs.

Hegseth stated, “Under the leadership of President Trump, we will be focusing our military’s core mission to deter, fight, and win wars.”