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.
