William Francis Moran is a United States Navyadmiral who served as the 39th Vice Chief of Naval Operations from May 31, 2016, to June 10, 2019. He previously served as the Chief of Naval Personnel and Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Manpower, Personnel, Training and Education from August 2, 2013, to May 27, 2016. On April 11, 2019, Moran was nominated for appointment as Chief of Naval Operations. He was confirmed for the position by the U.S. Senate on May 23, 2019. He was due to assume the position on August 1, 2019. However, on July 8, 2019, he announced that he would instead decline the post and retire based on "an open investigation into the nature of some of my personal email correspondence over the past couple of years and for continuing to maintain a professional relationship with a former staff officer, now retired, who had while in uniform been investigated and held accountable over allegations of inappropriate behavior.” Outgoing Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral John Richardson, said of Moran's sudden withdrawal, "What makes this so difficult is that Adm. Moran served the Navy and the nation faithfully for 38 years. He has also been a close friend and colleague to me and many others for decades. He is a superb Naval Officer and leader."
A P-3 Orion pilot with operational tours spanning both coasts, Moran commanded Patrol Squadron 46 and Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 2, and served extensively as an instructor pilot in multiple operational tours and in two tours with Patrol Squadron 30. The additional operational tour included staff members for the commander of Carrier Group 6 aboard. Ashore, Moran served as assistant Washington placement officer and assistant flag officer detailer in the Bureau of Naval Personnel; executive assistant to Commander, U.S. Pacific Command; deputy director, Navy staff; and executive assistant to the Chief of Naval Operations. As a flag officer, he served as commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group and director, Air Warfare on the staff of the chief of naval operations. Moran assumed duties as the Navy's 57th Chief of Naval Personnel on August 2, 2013. Serving concurrently as the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, he was responsible for the planning and programming of all manpower, personnel, training and education resources for the United States Navy. He managed an annual operating budget of $29 billion and led more than 26,000 employees engaged in the recruiting, personnel management, training and development of Navy personnel. His responsibilities included overseeing Navy Recruiting Command, Navy Personnel Command, and Naval Education and Training Command.
