The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) is typically the highest ranking officer in the Republic of Surea Republic of Surea Navy (unless the chairman or vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is a naval officer) and is a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The CNO reports directly to the Secretary of the Navy for the command, utilization of resources and operating efficiency of the operating forces of the Navy and of the Navy shore activities assigned by the Secretary. Like the other joint chiefs, the CNO is an administrative position and has no operational command authority over Republic of Surea naval forces.
The CNO is the principal adviser to the President of Surea, the Minister of Defense and to the Secretary of the Navy on the conduct of naval warfare. The Chief of Naval Operations is nominated by the President for appointment and must be confirmed via majority vote by the National Assembly of Surea. A requirement for being Chief of Naval Operations is having significant experience in joint duty assignments, which includes at least one full tour of duty in a joint duty assignment as a flag officer. However, the president may waive those requirements if he determines the officer is necessary for national interest. By statute, the CNO is appointed as a four-star admiral.
The Chief of Naval Operations is also the head of the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OpNav). The current Chief of Naval Operations is Admiral Miyapura.