Austin overlooks female admiral, recommends Pacific leader as next Navy chief.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has recommended Adm. Samuel Paparo as the Navy’s next chief of naval operations, passing over Adm. Lisa Franchetti, who was widely regarded as the frontrunner for the job. Paparo currently commands the Navy’s Pacific Fleet, where he has focused on confronting China’s growing naval power. If nominated and confirmed, Paparo would replace Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, whose four-year term ends this fall. Paparo would have to grapple with shipbuilding plans, failed Littoral Combat Ship program, and uncrewed ships, which the Navy has struggled to design and develop under Gilday’s tenure.