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The Secretary of the Navy serves as the civilian head of the Department of the Navy, overseeing both the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps. This position is crucial as it includes responsibilities for organizing, recruiting, training, and equipping the naval forces. The Secretary of the Navy plays a significant role in defense policy and is involved in the budgetary processes and strategic decisions impacting naval operations.

In contrast, the Secretary of Defense is responsible for the entire Department of Defense and oversees all military branches. The Chief of Naval Operations is the highest-ranking officer in the Navy and focuses on naval operations and service-specific issues, reporting to the Secretary of the Navy. The Commandant of the Marine Corps is in charge of the Marine Corps and reports to the Secretary of the Navy but does not oversee the Navy as a whole. Thus, the clarity in roles and responsibilities confirms that the Secretary of the Navy is indeed the correct position as the civilian head of the Department of the Navy.