The Pentagon announced the sudden departure of U.S. Navy Secretary John Phelan on Wednesday, marking him as the first military service head to exit during President Donald Trump’s second term. No specific reason was provided for Phelan’s unexpected exit, which coincides with the U.S. imposition of a blockade on Iranian ports and targeting of Tehran-associated vessels globally amid a delicate ceasefire in the conflict.
Phelan’s removal is part of a series of recent shakeups at the Pentagon, following the dismissal of Gen. Randy George, the Army’s top uniformed officer, by U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. Since assuming office last year, Hegseth has also terminated several other high-ranking generals, admirals, and defense leaders.
The wave of dismissals began in February 2025 when Adm. Lisa Franchetti and Gen. Jim Slife were removed from their military positions. Additionally, Gen. Charles “CQ” Brown Jr. was ousted as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff by President Trump.
The sudden nature of Phelan’s departure was highlighted as he recently participated in the navy’s annual conference in Washington, engaging with sailors, industry professionals, and hosting discussions with the U.S. House Armed Services Committee regarding the navy’s budget and shipbuilding efforts.
According to Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, Phelan is leaving his post “effective immediately,” with Undersecretary Hung Cao, a 25-year navy combat veteran and unsuccessful political candidate in Virginia, appointed as the acting navy head by President Trump.
Phelan, who lacked prior military or civilian leadership experience in the service, was nominated as secretary by Trump in late 2024, primarily due to his significant donations to Trump’s campaign and his background in private investment. Phelan’s involvement in military affairs was primarily through his advisory role with Spirit of America, a nonprofit supporting the defense of Ukraine and Taiwan.
Amid Phelan’s departure, the navy remains actively engaged, with multiple aircraft carriers deployed in the Middle East and a readiness to resume combat operations against Iran if the ceasefire collapses. The navy’s presence in the Caribbean, its involvement in countering drug boats, and the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro earlier this year underscore its ongoing operational commitments.
Hung Cao, the newly appointed acting navy secretary, previously ran unsuccessful campaigns for Congress and the Senate in Virginia. His background includes escaping Vietnam as a child, attending the U.S. Naval Academy, and serving as a special operations officer with SEAL teams and special forces in conflict zones before retiring as a captain. Cao holds a master’s degree in physics and has advocated for service members who refused COVID-19 vaccine mandates during his tenure as navy undersecretary.