CNO Says Navy Department Has Strong Case for Getting Bigger Slice of Defense Budget Capt. Ann E. Casey leads Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Mike Gilday, left, and Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. David H. Berger, right, on a tour of the Cyber Foundry prior to a ribbon cutting. (U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class William Sykes) 7 May 2021 As the Biden administration finalizes its first budget plan, the Navy's top officer said competition for funding is high among the military's top leaders. But Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday said Thursday he's confident the Navy Department has a "sound case" for getting a bigger piece of the defense budget since the sea services' forward presence will be crucial in meeting threats from China and Russia.