The Chief of Naval Operations falls under which chain of command?

• A. Operational CoC
• B. Administrative CoC
• C. Administrative Chain
• D. Operational Chain

Answer: (B)

Two chains of command govern Navy forces: administrative and operational. The Chief of Naval Operations is the senior Navy officer responsible for administration, readiness, and resources, and he reports through the administrative chain of command to the Secretary of the Navy. He does not exercise operational control of forces; that authority runs through the operational chain to the Combatant Commanders. Therefore, the Chief of Naval Operations falls under the administrative chain of command.