Admiral Lisa Franchetti to receive 2024 Great American Patriot Award

FORT WORTH, Texas (Dec. 05, 2024) – Admiral Lisa Franchetti, the 33rd chief of naval operations (CNO), is the 2024 Great American Patriot Award honoree. Presented annually by Armed Forces Insurance at the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl, the Great American Patriot Award recognizes individuals for their exemplary service to the United States.

Franchetti assumed duties as the Chief of Naval operations on Nov. 2, 2023. Prior to this role, she was the 42nd vice chief of naval operations. A surface warfare officer, Franchetti has commanded at every level and deployed in every fleet, with nearly 20 years of operational and at-sea experience. Her previous flag assignments include director for strategy, plans, and policy (J5), Joint Staff; deputy chief of naval operations for warfighting development, N7; commander, U.S. 6th Fleet; commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO; and deputy commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and U.S. Naval Forces Africa during the 2018 strikes against Syrian chemical-weapons facilities.

Throughout her service, she has led across the globe, including in Korea, Europe, and Africa. At sea, she has served on numerous vessels, including carriers, destroyers, destroyer tenders, replenishment ships, and a hospital ship. Notably, she commanded Destroyer Squadron 21, embarked on the USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74); commanded the USS Ross (DDG 71); and served as commander of Pacific Partnership 2010, embarked on USNS Mercy (T-AH 19).

Ashore, Franchetti’s assignments include commander, Navy Reserve Center Central Point, Oregon; aide to the vice chief of naval operations; protocol officer for the commander, U.S. Atlantic Fleet; 4th Battalion officer at the U.S. Naval Academy; division chief, Joint Concept Development and Experimentation, Joint Staff, J7; deputy director of international engagement and executive assistant to N3/N5 on the Navy staff; and military assistant to the secretary of the Navy.

Franchetti is a native of Rochester, New York. She received her commission in 1985 through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Program at Northwestern University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Medill. She holds a master’s degree in organizational management from the University of Phoenix, completed the Harvard Kennedy School’s National and International Security program, and was a Massachusetts Institute of Technology Seminar XXI Fellow. In 2024, she received the Naval War College Distinguished Graduate Award.

During her 39-year career in the Navy, Franchetti has been awarded the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Service Medal (two awards), Defense Superior Service Medal (two awards), Legion of Merit (five awards), Meritorious Service Medal (six awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards).

“It is an honor for Armed Forces Insurance to recognize Admiral Franchetti as this year’s Great American Patriot Award recipient,” said Lt. Gen. Sid Clarke, U.S. Air Force, retired, chairman, Armed Forces Insurance. “Admiral Franchetti has led at home and on the high seas, carrying out missions that support the American extension of freedom and security globally. She amplifies the U.S. Navy’s core values of honor, courage, and commitment.”

Candidates for the Great American Patriot Award must be of high moral fiber and good character, having spent their lives and/or careers serving the common good of the United States. They must have gone beyond the call of duty to serve and protect this country, with proven dedication and loyalty in upholding the Constitution and the laws of the nation. Finally, the award winner must have worked tirelessly to make the U.S. a better and safer place for all its citizens.

Franchetti joins a prestigious group of previous Great American Patriot Award recipients, including General Mark Welsh, Admiral William McRaven, General Peter Pace, Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, Medal of Honor recipient Salvatore Giunta, General Norton A. Schwartz, Congresswoman Kay Granger, Team Rubicon, Staff Sergeant David Bellavia, General Charles Q. Brown Jr., Gary Sinise, Chris Cassidy, and Capt. Florent Groberg, among others.

The “Bowl for the Brave” has featured an armed forces theme since 2006. Patriotic overtones recognizing all branches of the service are prevalent throughout the game. The Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl, played in honor of the armed forces of the United States, was the first collegiate football bowl game to host all three U.S. Military Academy football teams – Air Force (2007, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2015, 2022, 2023), Army (2010, 2017, 2018, 2021), and Navy (2013, 2016).

The Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl is one of 17 bowl games owned and operated by ESPN Events, a division of ESPN. The 22nd edition will be played Friday, Dec. 27, at TCU’s Amon G. Carter Stadium. The game time will be announced following the selection of teams on Sunday, Dec. 8. Kickoff will be 11 a.m. (CT) or 2:30 p.m. (CT).

Armed Forces Insurance

Armed Forces Insurance was founded in 1887 by military leaders with a single mission: to protect the property of those who protect our nation. The company provides premium quality, competitively priced property and casualty insurance to military professionals throughout the United States and overseas. Armed Forces Insurance understands that its members have unique circumstances and insurance needs, enabling the company to offer a level of personalized service that's unequalled in the industry. For more information, visit the website at www.afi.org or call 1-800-495-8234, and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter/X and Instagram.

ESPN Events

ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, owns and operates a portfolio of collegiate sporting events nationwide. In 2024, the 34-event schedule includes four early-season college football kickoff games, 17 college bowl games, 10 college basketball events, the premier regular season college softball and gymnastics events, as well as the Band of the Year National Championship. Collectively, these events account for over 400 hours of live programming on ESPN platforms, reaching 60 million viewers and attracting more than 650,000 annual attendees. Each year, the portfolio of events features more than 20 Division I conferences and hosts over 4,000 participating student-athletes. With satellite offices in more than 10 cities across the country, ESPN Events builds relationships with conferences, schools and local communities, as well as providing unique experiences for teams and fans. Follow ESPN Events on Facebook, Twitter/X and YouTube.