President Donald Trump has put forth acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao as his choice for the permanent Secretary of the Navy, a move that comes four months after the departure of former secretary John Phelan. This nomination is now pending approval from the Senate.
Since April, Cao has been fulfilling the role of acting secretary, having previously held the position of undersecretary for the Navy. With a robust military background as a retired Navy captain, Cao’s 25-year service includes roles as a special operations officer with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as a diver and explosive ordnance disposal officer.
Trump lauded Cao as a “true warrior” and called for the Senate to expedite his confirmation. In response, Cao expressed his honor in being nominated and underscored his commitment to enhancing shipbuilding and safeguarding national security as key priorities.
This nomination arrives at a critical time for the Navy, which is under scrutiny due to the ongoing tensions with Iran and the prolonged deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln. Concerns have been raised by lawmakers regarding the impact on personnel, emphasizing issues such as crew fatigue, mental health challenges, and shortages in basic supplies.
During his interim tenure, Cao has prioritized shipbuilding, modernization, and the integration of artificial intelligence. His nomination coincides with broader shifts in U.S. military leadership, marked by the recent resignation of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll. If approved, Cao would assume permanent leadership over the Navy and Marine Corps amid rising operational demands and a focus on expanding naval capabilities.