[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 32, Volume 5]
[Revised as of July 1, 2005]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 32CFR700.402]

[Page 20]
 
                       TITLE 32--NATIONAL DEFENSE
 
                   CHAPTER VI--DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
 
PART 700_UNITED STATES NAVY REGULATIONS AND OFFICIAL RECORDS--Table of 
Contents
 
                 Subpart D_The Chief of Naval Operations
 
Sec. 700.402  Succession.

    When there is a vacancy in the position of Chief of Naval 
Operations, or during the absence or disability of the Chief of Naval 
Operations:
    (a) The Vice Chief of Naval Operations shall perform the duties of 
the Chief of Naval Operations until a successor is appointed or the 
absence or disability ceases.
    (b) If there is a vacancy in the position of Vice Chief of Naval 
Operations or the Vice Chief of Naval Operations is absent or disabled, 
unless the President directs otherwise, the most senior officer of the 
Navy in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations who is not absent or 
disabled and who is not restricted in the performance of duty shall 
perform the duties of the Chief of Naval Operations until a successor to 
the Chief of Naval Operations or the Vice Chief of Naval Operations is 
appointed or until the absence or disability of the Chief of Naval 
Operations or Vice Chief of Naval Operations ceases, whichever occurs 
first.