First In History! US Army, Navy and Marines Don't Have Leaders, Defense Minister Austin: This is Not Safe

JAKARTA - The United States has recorded a history of disorganization, when its three military forces, the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps, for the first time did not have a leader confirmed by the Senate.

The Navy on Monday became the third military branch to no longer have a confirmed leader by the Senate, as a Republican senator continues to block the military's nomination.

Adm. Mike Gilday, the outgoing Chief of Naval Staff, stepped down on Monday, while a replacement has not been confirmed.

"This is unprecedented. It's not necessary. It's not safe," US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said at a ceremony at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville, who represents Alabama, has blocked hundreds of military nominations, saying the Pentagon improperly used government funds to cover travel expenses, for abortions for service members and their families.

"This massive blockade undermines America's military preparedness. It hinders our ability to retain our best officers and it turns the lives of many American military families upside down," Defense Secretary Austin said.

Previously, President Joe Biden had nominated Adm. Lisa Franchetti to lead the Navy, a historic move that would break down gender barriers within the US military, making her the first woman to lead the navy and become a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff if confirmed by the Senate.

Admiral Franchetti will lead the Navy in an acting capacity until such time as he is confirmed.

It is known, Senate approval for military promotions is usually smooth. Tuberville's detention cannot prevent the Democratic-majority Senate from voting on any promotion, but it could drastically slow the process down.

After the US Supreme Court last year overturned the landmark Roe v. Wade in 1973 recognized the constitutional right to have an abortion, the Pentagon said it would cover travel expenses for military members who wish to have an abortion and provide up to 21 days of leave.

Several states have restricted access to abortion since Roe v. Wade was canceled, and the military argued that female service members could not choose where they were stationed.