President Donald Trump has put forward Hung Cao, the acting Navy Secretary, as his choice for the permanent Secretary of the Navy. This nomination comes four months after John Phelan stepped down from the position and awaits Senate confirmation. Cao, who has been fulfilling the role since April, previously held the position of undersecretary of the Navy. His extensive military career spans 25 years as a retired Navy captain, with experience as a special operations officer and deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Additionally, he has served in roles such as a diver and explosive ordnance disposal officer.
President Trump lauded Cao as a “true warrior” and urged the Senate for a swift confirmation. Cao expressed that being nominated is an honor and emphasized his commitment to enhancing shipbuilding and safeguarding the homeland as his primary goals. His nomination arrives at a time when the Navy is under scrutiny due to the ongoing conflict with Iran, which has placed significant strain on its personnel. The USS Abraham Lincoln’s extended deployment has raised concerns among lawmakers about crew fatigue, mental health, and shortages in basic supplies.
During his tenure as acting secretary, Cao has prioritized shipbuilding, modernization, and the integration of artificial intelligence into naval operations. His nomination coincides with broader changes in the higher echelons of U.S. military leadership, following the recent resignation of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll.
If the Senate confirms Cao, he will permanently oversee the Navy and Marine Corps amid increasing operational demands. His leadership will be crucial during this period of heightened attention on expanding U.S. naval capabilities.