President Donald Trump has put forward Hung Cao, who is currently serving as the acting Navy Secretary, for the role of permanent Secretary of the Navy. This nomination comes four months after the previous secretary, John Phelan, stepped down. To officially take on the position, Cao’s appointment will need to be confirmed by the Senate.
Cao has been acting secretary since April, having previously held the role of the Navy’s undersecretary. With a career spanning 25 years in the Navy, Cao is a retired captain who served as a special operations officer, with deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. His extensive experience also includes roles as a diver and explosive ordnance disposal officer. President Trump lauded Cao as a “true warrior” and encouraged the Senate to expedite his confirmation. Cao expressed his gratitude for the nomination and emphasized his commitment to enhancing shipbuilding efforts and defending the homeland.
The nomination occurs at a time when the Navy is under scrutiny due to the pressures faced by its personnel amidst ongoing tensions with Iran. The USS Abraham Lincoln has been on an extended deployment, which has raised concerns among lawmakers regarding crew fatigue, mental health, and supply shortages. During his interim leadership, Cao has focused on priorities such as shipbuilding, modernization, and the integration of artificial intelligence.
Cao’s nomination is part of a larger reshuffle within the senior ranks of U.S. military leadership, highlighted by the recent resignation of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll. If confirmed, Cao will oversee the Navy and Marine Corps during a challenging period characterized by increased operational demands and a strategic emphasis on expanding the United States’ naval capabilities.