President Donald Trump has put forward Hung Cao, currently the acting Navy Secretary, as his nominee for the permanent Secretary of the Navy, aiming to fill the vacancy left by former secretary John Phelan four months ago. This nomination is subject to approval by the Senate. Cao, who has been acting secretary since April, was previously the undersecretary of the Navy. With a military career spanning 25 years as a retired Navy captain, he has extensive experience, including serving as a special operations officer with deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as working as a diver and explosive ordnance disposal officer.
Trump expressed strong support for Cao, describing him as a “true warrior,” and called on the Senate for swift confirmation. Cao, in response, expressed his honor at being nominated and emphasized his focus on enhancing shipbuilding and safeguarding the homeland. His nomination arrives at a time when the Navy is under scrutiny due to the pressures experienced by personnel amid ongoing tensions with Iran. Notably, the USS Abraham Lincoln has been deployed for a prolonged period, raising concerns among lawmakers about crew fatigue, mental health issues, and shortages in basic supplies.
During his time as acting secretary, Cao has prioritized initiatives in shipbuilding, modernization, and the integration of artificial intelligence. His nomination is part of a broader reshuffle in senior U.S. military leadership, highlighted by the recent resignation of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll. If confirmed, Cao would be tasked with leading the Navy and Marine Corps through a challenging period marked by increased operational demands and a strategic emphasis on expanding the capabilities of the U.S. naval forces.
