Final answer:
The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) is the senior military officer of the Navy and the principle naval advisor to the President and SECNAV on the conduct of war. The CNO is a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the highest-ranking naval officer, responsible for advising on navy strategies and operational readiness.
Step-by-step explanation:
The senior military officer of the Navy, who serves as the principle naval advisor to the President and the Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV), particularly on the conduct of war, is the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO). This position is held by a four-star admiral who is the highest-ranking officer in the Navy and a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The CNO provides professional advice on navy strategies, including operations, and is directly responsible for the readiness of the naval service.
According to the United States Constitution, the President serves as the Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy, and has the authority to require written opinions from the principal officers of the executive departments, which would include the CNO when it concerns naval issues. In history, notable senior military leaders such as Admiral Chester Nimitz, who commanded the US Pacific fleet during World War II and later became a Fleet Admiral, exemplify the critical roles played by high-ranking naval officers in shaping military strategy and policy.