Formation November 5, 1917 Website Official Website | First holder CAPT John B. Frazier | |
 | ||
The Chief of Chaplains of the United States Navy (CHC) is the Senior Chaplain in the Navy, the Head of the U.S. Navy Chaplain Corps, and the Director of Religious Ministry Support for the Department of the Navy. He or she advises the Commandant of the Marine Corps, the Chief of Naval Operations, and the Commandant of the Coast Guard "on all matters pertaining to religion within the Navy, United States Marine Corps, and United States Coast Guard."
The position was created in 1917 to "provide a system of appointing qualified and professional chaplains that meet the needs of the Navy". The current CCHN is Rear Admiral Margaret G. Kibben, the first woman to hold this office.
Chief of Chaplains hallway
A hallway to honor former Chiefs of Navy Chaplain Corps was dedicated at the Navy Annex, in Arlington, Va., in 2004. Five former Chiefs of Chaplains were present at the dedication ceremony, including Barry C. Black, Alvin B. Koeneman, Neil M. Stevenson, Ross H. Trower, and David F. White.