Admiral Edward W. Eberle
Admiral Edward W. Eberle
3rd Chief of Naval Operations: 21 July 1923 – 14 November 1927
Through public testimony before Congress and within their limitations, Admirals Eberle and Coontz had been able to influence the development of the Navy, but whether they could issue orders directly to the bureaus was still a matter of debate. The heads of Navy bureaus reported directly to the Secretary, as did the CNO. The Navy Regulations of 1924 approved by Congress tried to solve the issue, but not completely. The CNO was given the power to “to coordinate repairs and alterations to vessels and the supply of personnel therefore as to insure maximum readiness for the fleet for war.” The debate continued for years to come, but the CNOs gained more direct authority.
