Which official is responsible for the policies and control of the Department of the Navy, including its organization, administration, operation, and efficiency?

• A. Secretary of the Navy
• B. Chief of Naval Operations
• C. Fleet Master Chief
• D. Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy

Answer: (A)

The Secretary of the Navy oversees the Department of the Navy’s policies, organization, administration, operation, and efficiency. This civilian head sets overall policy for the department, directs its organization and budget, and holds final responsibility for how the Navy is run. The Secretary also appoints the Chief of Naval Operations, who is the senior military officer responsible for Navy readiness and daily operations under the Secretary’s policy guidance. The other roles—senior enlisted leaders like the Fleet Master Chief and the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy—serve as top enlisted advisers and advocates for sailors, but they do not set department-wide policy or control the DoN as an institution.