Erik Raven, Navy Civilian No. 2, resigns

Naval War

WASHINGTON — Undersecretary of the Navy Erik Raven will leave his post in August, becoming the second civilian sailor in the service to do so, according to a statement from Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro.

“Erik Raven has been a true leader in advancing the Department of the Navy’s highest priorities,” Del Toro said in a statement. “He has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to protecting our nation, strengthening our Navy and Marine Corps team, and building lasting advantages in the fight. His experience has ensured that our naval forces are equipped to deter and, if necessary, decisively win in war, while ensuring the well-being of our service members, civilians, and their families.”

Del Toro recognized Raven’s contributions to the AUKUS trilateral security pact, which helped develop Guam’s infrastructure to support defense operations in the Indo-Pacific region and optimize Navy business operations.

The statement did not provide any reason why Raven decided to leave his job.

Pentagon policy has traditionally dictated that when someone like Raven leaves office without a confirmed successor, the position is filled in an acting capacity by another civilian until a new nominee is confirmed by the Senate. Given the election year and the generally slow pace at which the Senate fills Pentagon positions, it is unlikely that a new undersecretary will be confirmed before the November election is decided.

Breaking Defense reached out to the Navy for comment on who will take over as undersecretary in August.