Which individual is associated with the title of Chief of Naval Operations?

Admiral Mike Gilday is the current Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) for the United States Navy, having assumed the position on May 22, 2019. The CNO is the highest-ranking officer in the Navy and serves as a principal military advisor to the President, the Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of the Navy. Gilday's tenure has focused on several critical areas including readiness, modernization, and integrating new technologies to ensure the Navy's effectiveness in contemporary naval warfare.

Other admirals mentioned, such as Admiral Daryl Caudle, Admiral John Richardson, and Admiral Gary Roughead, have also held significant positions in the Navy but are not currently serving as the Chief of Naval Operations. Admiral Richardson served as CNO from 2015 to 2019, and Admiral Roughead served from 2007 to 2011, while Admiral Caudle has held different command positions but not the CNO title. This context helps clarify why Gilday is associated with the role today.