The Chief of Naval Operations was to be an active-duty line officer of at least captain's rank, appointed by the president with Senate consent for four years. A captain appointed to the position would receive a rear admiral's rank, title, and emoluments while serving. The duties covered fleet operations and preparation and readiness of plans for war under the Secretary of the Navy. The act also placed the CNO next in succession when both the secretary and assistant secretary were temporarily absent. This precise statutory chain is compared with the less explicitly stated British practice of royal appointment.
Notable Point · 11:23-12:48
The first CNO rules defined appointment, duties, and succession
The original CNO provision specified a four-year appointment, minimum rank, wartime planning duties, and a temporary succession role.