So, the US Navy is promoting Lisa Marie Franchetti to be the newest Chief of Naval Operations. And yeah, I’ve got a problem with that.
Believe it or not, the fact that she’s a chick isn’t at the top of my grievance list. What really makes me question the alleged wisdom of her selection is the fact that after 38-years in the US Navy, Lisa Marie hasn’t spent a single second in a combat zone.
There’s more. As noted in the above photo, she’s sporting over 40 different medals and ribbons to include 21 personal decorations… not a single one for personal heroism or valor.
Of her personal awards, here are the specifics;
- Defense Distinguished Service Medal
- Distinguished Service Medal
- Defense Superior Service Medal (two awards)
- Legion of Merit (five awards)
- Meritorious Service Medal (five awards)
- Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards)
- Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards)
In spite of her having zero combat experience as well as being awarded nearly every garbage medal the Pentagon has dreamt up over the past half-century, something else of this Garth Algar doppelganger still doesn’t seem right.
As I dig deeper into her bio, it hits me. During her formative years in the Navy, she was little better than a professional ass-kisser.
From the rank of Ensign to Lt. Commander, her assignments are as follows (from the official website of the US Navy);
- Commander, Naval Reserve Center Central Point, Oregon [Pffft]
- Aide to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations [OIC of picking-up his laundry]
- Protocol officer for the commander, U.S. Atlantic Fleet [serve from the right, clear from the left]
- 4th Battalion officer at the U.S. Naval Academy [glorified Resident Advisor]
- Military assistant to the Secretary of the Navy [pick-up dry cleaning AND shine his shoes]
It was only when promoted to Commander did she receive her sole command of a naval warship, the USS Ross (DDG-71).
When she finally added her fourth stripe did she start receiving choice, career-enhancing duty assignments. Too bad her career up to that point was built on a foundation of brown-nosing.
Yeah, I’m going to come out and say it; Lisa Marie is little more than the crowning achievement of Generation Trophy.
