The position of chief of naval operations (CNO) was established at the urging of Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels in 1915. Initially, it was a coordinating and advisory role. Viewed as a “first among equals” of the bureau chiefs, he reported to the secretary of the navy. The CNO slowly evolved into a stronger position until Ernest J. King’s appointment on March 26, 1942. Simultaneously CNO and commander in chief, U.S. Fleet, King was the operational head of all U.S. Navy and Marine forces.
| Name | Dates of Service | U.S. Naval Academy Class |
| William S. Benson | May 11, 1915–September 25, 1919 | 1877 |
| Robert E. Coontz | November 1, 1919–July 21, 1923 | 1885 |
| Edward W. Eberle | July 21, 1923–November 14, 1927 | 1885 |
| Charles F. Hughes | November 14, 1927–September 17, 1930 | 1888 |
| William V. Pratt | September 17, 1930–June 30, 1933 | 1889 |
| William H. Standley | July 1, 1933–January 1, 1937 | 1895 |
| William D. Leahy | January 2, 1937–August 1, 1939 | 1897 |
| Harold R. Stark | August 1, 1939–March 26, 1942 | 1903 |
| Ernest J. King | March 26, 1942–December 15, 1945 | 1901 |
| Chester W. Nimitz | December 15, 1945–December 15, 1947 | 1905 |