US Navy Secretary John Phelan has resigned with immediate effect, the Pentagon announced Wednesday, marking the first exit of a military service chief during Donald Trump’s second term and the latest in a string of leadership changes at the Department of Defense.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed the development, stating that Phelan was “departing the administration, effective immediately,” and added, “We are grateful to Secretary Phelan for his service to the Department and the United States Navy.” No explanation was provided for the sudden move.
Phelan’s departure comes at a critical moment, with the US Navy engaged in enforcing a blockade of Iranian ports and targeting vessels linked to Tehran, even as a fragile ceasefire remains in place. The Navy has also sustained a strong operational presence across key maritime corridors, including the Strait of Hormuz.
Hung Cao named acting Navy chief
Hung Cao, a former Navy combat officer and Trump-backed political candidate, will assume charge as acting Secretary of the Navy. A 25-year veteran, Cao has served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Somalia, and previously ran unsuccessful campaigns for both the US Senate and House in Virginia. As undersecretary, he supported measures such as reinstating personnel who refused Covid-19 vaccination mandates.
Part of a broader Pentagon reshuffle
Phelan’s exit adds to a widening list of high-level changes at the Pentagon. In recent weeks, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has removed several senior military leaders, including Army chief Randy George, along with multiple generals and admirals.
Earlier dismissals included Adm. Lisa Franchetti and Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., highlighting a broader leadership overhaul underway since early 2025.
Notably, Phelan had appeared publicly just a day prior at a Navy conference in Washington, where he addressed sailors and industry leaders on shipbuilding and budget priorities.
Exit amid rising regional tensions
The leadership change coincides with escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where attacks on commercial vessels and US enforcement of a naval blockade have raised concerns about the durability of the ceasefire with Iran.
Despite extending the truce, the US has maintained the blockade—drawing criticism from Iran, which has called it a violation of ceasefire terms and has yet to commit to renewed negotiations. With multiple US aircraft carriers deployed or en route to the Middle East, the Navy remains central to any potential escalation if diplomatic efforts falter.
