Federal Position Descriptions
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Secretary

Navy Secretary, Department of Defense
Responsibility
Management Scope

The Navy has an annual budget in excess of $170 billion and nearly 900,000 sailors, marines and civilians. The Department of the Navy consists of two uniformed services: the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps.

Primary Responsibilities

• Responsible for all the affairs of the Department of the Navy, including: recruiting, organizing, supplying, equipping, training, mobilizing and demobilizing.
• Oversees the construction, outfitting and repair of naval ships, equipment and facilities.
• Formulates policies and programs that are consistent with the national security policies and objectives established by the president and the secretary of Defense.
• Implements policy, program and budget decisions and instructions of the president or the SECDEF relating to the functions of the DON in a timely and efficient manner.
• Carries out the functions of the DON so as to fulfill the current and future operational requirements of the unified and specified combatant commands.
• Cooperates and coordinates with the other military departments and agencies of the Department of Defense to provide for more effective, efficient and economical administration and to eliminate duplication.
• Presents and justifies the position of the DON on the plans, programs and policies of the DOD.
• Supervises and ensures effectiveness of the intelligence activities of the DON.
• Serves as the civilian head of the Marine Corps.
• Serves as a member of the Defense Acquisition Board, chaired by the undersecretary of Defense for acquisition, technology and logistics.
• Responsible for such other activities as may be prescribed by law or by the president or SECDEF.

Strategic Goals and Priorities
[Depends on the policy priorities of the administration.]
Requirements

• A person may not be appointed as secretary of the Navy within five years after relief from active duty as a commissioned officer of a regular component of an armed force (10 U.S.C. § 5013)
• Extensive leadership and management experience
• Understanding of maritime strategy and acquisition strategy
• Strong substantive expertise in military affairs and civil military relations
• Experience in DOD, Armed Services committee and/or other relevant entities
• Background or experience in federal budgeting, acquisition and personnel matters

Competencies

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• High level of energy for extensive foreign and domestic travel and interactions
• Ability to handle sensitive matters
• Ability to work under high pressure

Past Appointments
  • Ray Mabus (2009 to 2017) – Chairman and CEO, manufacturing company; Ambassador to Saudi Arabia; Governor of Mississippi; Auditor of Mississippi; United States Navy Officer
  • B.J. Penn (2009 to 2009) (Acting) – Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Installations and Environment; Director, Industrial Base Assessments, United States Navy; Aviator, United States Navy
  • Donald Winter (2006 to 2009) – Corporate Vice President and President, Mission Systems, Northrop Grumman; President, TRW Systems; Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Program Manager
AGENCY

Department of Defense

Mission: The mission of the Navy is to maintain, train and equip combat-ready Naval forces capable of winning wars, deterring aggression and maintaining freedom of the seas.

COMPENSATION

Level II $179,700 (5 U.S.C. § 5313)1

REPORTS TO

Secretary of Defense

SENATE COMMITTEE

Armed Services

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Footnote
  1. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017 (Public Law 115-31, May 5, 2017), contains a provision that continues the freeze on the payable pay rates for certain senior political officials at 2013 levels during calendar year 2017.
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