What authority approves the annual budget for Navy operations?

The annual budget for Navy operations is approved by Congress. The budgetary process for the Navy, as well as for other branches of the military, involves a series of steps, one of which is presenting the proposed budget to Congress. Once the President submits a budget proposal, Congress conducts hearings and reviews the request, ultimately providing the necessary funding through appropriations. This process highlights the government's system of checks and balances, ensuring that elected representatives have a say in military expenditures. The necessity of Congressional approval reflects their constitutional authority over government spending, making this option the correct answer. In contrast, while the Department of Defense, the Secretary of the Navy, and the Chief of Naval Operations are all integral to the planning and prioritizing of military activities, the final decision regarding budget allocations rests with Congress.