Final answer:
The Chief of Naval Operations reports to the Secretary of Defense within the Navy chain of command.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Chief of Naval Operations reports to the Secretary of Defense within the Navy chain of command. The Secretary of Defense is the head of the Department of Defense and is responsible for the overall management and organization of the military forces, including the Navy. The Chief of Naval Operations serves as the senior military officer in the Navy and provides strategic advice and recommendations to the Secretary of Defense.