Trump Taps Hung Cao for Permanent Navy Secretary Post

Acting Secretary and Special Operations Veteran Would Lead Navy and Marine Corps as Service Confronts Shipbuilding Delays, Readiness Demands and Global Security Threats

WASHINGTON | President Donald Trump has announced his intent to nominate acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao to permanently lead the Department of the Navy, positioning the retired special operations officer to oversee the Navy and Marine Corps during a consequential period for maritime readiness and military modernization.

Trump announced the selection Sept. 1 on Truth Social, calling Cao a “true warrior” and urging the Senate to confirm him quickly. Cao has served as acting Navy secretary since April 22, following the departure of John Phelan. The Associated Press and Reuters reported the announcement.

“We need patriots like Hung leading our Navy and Marine Corps,” Trump wrote, saying Cao would help ensure the two services remain prepared to meet emerging threats.

Cao thanked the president shortly after the announcement and pledged to continue focusing on naval shipbuilding and homeland defense.

“It’s an honor of a lifetime to lead the great warriors of the Navy and Marine Corps team,” Cao said in a social media post.

Senate Confirmation Required

Cao remains acting secretary while the nomination process moves forward. He cannot assume the permanent position until the president formally submits his nomination and the Senate provides its advice and consent.

If confirmed, Cao would become the civilian leader responsible for organizing, training, equipping and overseeing both the Navy and Marine Corps. His portfolio would include shipbuilding, weapons acquisition, personnel policy, force readiness, infrastructure and management of the department’s budget.

The Senate previously confirmed Cao as undersecretary of the Navy in October 2025. He was sworn into that position on Oct. 3 before assuming the acting secretary’s responsibilities in April 2026. The Naval History and Heritage Command confirms his dates of service in both roles.

Shipbuilding and Fleet Readiness Take Center Stage

Cao’s nomination comes as Navy leaders face sustained pressure to improve shipbuilding performance, reduce maintenance delays and deliver new capabilities more quickly.

Since becoming acting secretary, Cao has promoted a high-low mix of vessels associated with the administration’s proposed “Golden Fleet.” His stated priorities have included the Navy’s next-generation F/A-XX fighter, the Medium Landing Ship and additional amphibious transport docks needed to support Marine Corps operations.

Cao has also emphasized working within budget constraints to improve the readiness of ships, aircraft and other equipment. His approach places fleet maintenance and industrial capacity alongside the acquisition of new platforms.

Those objectives are likely to receive close scrutiny during a Senate confirmation hearing. Lawmakers have repeatedly raised concerns about delayed ship deliveries, maintenance backlogs, workforce shortages and the capacity of the defense industrial base.

Communications Strategy Seeks to Rebuild Trust

Beyond acquisition and readiness, Cao has argued that the Navy must communicate more effectively with service members, Congress and the public.

In June, he established a Department of the Navy communications strategy designed to coordinate messaging and provide information intended to strengthen public trust in the Navy and Marine Corps.

That initiative reflects Cao’s broader argument that military readiness depends not only on ships and weapons but also on public confidence, recruiting and the department’s ability to explain its mission.

From Vietnamese Refugee to Navy Leadership

Cao came to the United States as a Vietnamese refugee in 1975. He later graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and completed a 25-year military career that included assignments in explosive ordnance disposal, diving and special operations.

According to his official Navy biography, Cao deployed in support of operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and Somalia. He retired as a Navy captain and holds a bachelor’s degree in ocean engineering and a master’s degree in applied physics from the Naval Postgraduate School.

Cao later entered electoral politics. He was the Republican nominee for a Virginia seat in the U.S. House in 2022 and challenged Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine in 2024, losing both races. His campaigns included criticism of military diversity, equity and inclusion programs and calls for renewed emphasis on combat readiness and what he described as a stronger “warrior ethos.”

Confirmation Fight Will Shape Navy Leadership

Cao’s record as acting secretary, previous political statements and approach to personnel policy are likely to surface during the confirmation process. Senators are also expected to press him on fleet size, shipyard performance, submarine production, Marine Corps amphibious requirements, military quality of life and competition with China.

Until that process is complete, Cao will continue performing the duties of acting Navy secretary. Confirmation would give him a full mandate to guide the department’s personnel, procurement and modernization agenda while overseeing two military services operating across increasingly contested maritime regions.

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-- By Masakela P. Rawls

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