Which position is typically responsible for advising the Secretary of the Navy?

The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) is typically responsible for advising the Secretary of the Navy. This role is crucial as the CNO serves as the highest-ranking officer in the Navy and functions as the principal naval advisor to the Secretary. The CNO provides input on policy, strategic decisions, and operational planning, ensuring that the Secretary has informed guidance on naval operations and readiness.

The relationship between the CNO and the Secretary of the Navy is integral to the effectiveness of naval leadership. The CNO leads the Navy's operational and administrative functions, directly impacting the force's capability and strategic direction, which aligns with the Secretary's broader responsibilities for Department of the Navy affairs.

Other positions, while also significant in their own right, do not have the same direct advisory role concerning the Secretary of the Navy. The Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, for example, serves as a senior enlisted advisor but does not directly advise on strategic military matters. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is focused on overall military strategy and joint operations across all branches, while the Assistant Secretary of the Navy has specific areas of responsibility but does not serve as the primary advisor on naval issues.