Biden's move took many observers by surprise, as Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had recommended Admiral Samuel Paparo for the position. Paparo is TOPGUN graduate with more than 6,000 hours in F-14s, F-15s and F/A-18s, 1,100 carrier landings and experience commanding forces in war zones. 

However, with the Biden administration obsessed with diversity hires, Paparo's bid was likely doomed by the fact that he's a white man.  

"Throughout her career, Adm. Franchetti has demonstrated extensive expertise in both the operational and policy arenas," said Biden in a statement. He of course couldn't help but emphasize her gender: "She is the second woman ever to achieve the rank of four-star admiral in the United States Navy." 

Though his recommendation wasn't heeded, Austin praised Franchetti, saying "She will continue to inspire all of us." Biden's choice of a woman to lead the Navy comes 15 months after he picked a woman to command the Coast Guard.

With 38 years of service that began with service on and command of destroyers, Franchetti is currently the vice chief of naval operations, the Navy's second-highest position. As then-commander of the Sixth Fleet, she was an instrument of President Trump's unconstitutional warfare on Syria in response to an alleged use of chemical weapons by President Assad that likely never happened.