Chief of Naval Operations

The title of Chief of Naval Operations, often abbreviated to CNO, most often referred to the person in direct command of all the naval forces under the control of a single government, be it a planetary, sector, or galactic-level organization. Those in such a position of command were almost always only the most senior of Admiral or Fleet Admiral, and were often directly appointed to their posts by their government's head of state.

A chief of naval operations was typically responsible for maintaining control of all naval departments, including all battle fleets, the combined starfighter command, intelligence and logistical support, as well as delegating responsibility for tactical, operational and strategic planning. CNOs were expected to be capable, experienced leaders who could oversee the security and handling of all of a nation's naval assets during times of war or peace.