Vice Chief of Naval Operations
| Vice Chief of Naval Operations | |
|---|---|
Mark of the U.S. Navy | |
Flag of the vice chief of naval operations | |
since 5 January 2024 | |
| United States Navy Office of the Chief of Naval Operations | |
| Abbreviation | VCNO |
| Reports to | Chief of Naval Operations |
| Appointer | The president with Senate advice and consent |
| Constituting instrument | 10 U.S.C. § 8035 |
| Formation | 26 March 1942 |
| First holder | Frederick J. Horne |
The vice chief of naval operations (VCNO) is the second highest-ranking commissioned United States Navy officer and functions as the principal deputy of the chief of naval operations. By statute, the vice chief is appointed as a four-star admiral.