Key facts
- President Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate Hung Cao as the next U.S. Navy secretary.
- Trump urged the Senate to confirm Cao as soon as possible.
- Hung Cao assumed the duties of Acting Secretary of the Navy on April 22, 2026.
- Cao previously held the position of Under Secretary of the Navy.
- John Phelan departed his role as Secretary of the Navy.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday his intention to nominate Hung Cao as the next Secretary of the Navy. Trump stated on Truth Social that the Senate should confirm Cao, whom he referred to as a "Warfighter," as soon as possible to continue his work.
Cao assumed the role of Acting Secretary of the Navy on April 22, 2026, following the departure of John Phelan. Phelan's exit was described as a surprise. Prior to his acting role, Cao served as the Under Secretary of the Navy. He is a decorated combat veteran, having served as a Navy Diver and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer with multiple deployments. He retired from active duty in October 2021 as a Captain.
Cao immigrated to the United States in 1975 and later graduated from the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. He entered the Navy in 1989 and was commissioned as a Special Operations Officer from the United States Naval Academy in 1996. His career included leading underwater and counter-improvised threat missions, as well as sensitive activities and counter-drone operations. Before his government service, Cao was a Vice President and Client Executive at CACI International, focusing on electronic warfare and counter-drone technology.