The US Navy has become the third branch of the nation's military to have no leader after Admiral Mike Gilday announced his retirement. 

The present incapacity to fill that position is owed to Senator Tommy Tuberville's continued blocking of new confirmations.  

At present, Lisa Franchetti, the vice chief of naval operations is currently holding the position with the prefix "acting." 

The position will fully be granted to her until the Senate approves her for the duty. 

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US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin voiced his criticism of Tuberville as the latter refused to confirm three military commands, namely the Navy, Army, and Marine Corps.  

"Three of our military services are operating without Senate-confirmed leaders. This is unprecedented. It is unnecessary, and it is unsafe. This sweeping hold is undermining America's military readiness. It's hindering our ability to retain our very best officers and it is upending the lives of far too many American military families," Austin said during the ceremony.  

US sources say that Tuberville's hold has affected 301 high-level military officials and the number is expected to increase twofold by the end of this year. 

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