The Chief of Naval Operations of the Republic of Korea Navy (Korean: 대한민국 해군참모총장, Hanja: 大韓民國海軍參謀總長) is the head of the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN). The post was established following the induction of Joseon Coastal Guards (Korean: 조선해안경비대) into the Republic of Korea Armed Forces and the subsequent renaming of the organization as the Republic of Korea Navy in 1948. Originally held by a vice admiral, the post of CNO has been held by an admiral since 1968.