Who is the senior officer responsible for the overall conduct of operations within the Navy?

The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) is the senior officer responsible for the overall conduct of operations within the Navy. This role encompasses the management and strategic direction of naval forces, and the CNO serves as the principal naval advisor to the President, the Secretary of Defense, and other senior government officials. The CNO is responsible for the readiness of naval forces, overseeing the implementation of policies, and ensuring that the Navy effectively fulfills its mission at a global level. This position requires a comprehensive understanding of military strategy, defense policy, and operational coordination, which are essential for sustaining the Navy's effectiveness in diverse operational environments.

While the Secretary of the Navy oversees the department and is responsible for its overall budget and administration, the CNO specifically manages naval operations and strategic initiatives. The Commandant of the Marine Corps is responsible for the United States Marine Corps and does not have direct authority over Navy operations. The Naval Operations Manager is not a recognized position within the military command structure, thus not relevant in this context. Therefore, the CNO is definitively the correct answer as the senior officer in charge of naval operations.