President Donald Trump has selected Hung Cao to become the permanent Secretary of the Navy, a position that has been vacant for four months since John Phelan’s departure. Cao, who has been serving as the acting Navy Secretary since April, awaits Senate confirmation for the role. Prior to his current position, he was the Navy’s undersecretary and has a distinguished military background as a retired Navy captain with 25 years of service, including special operations deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. Additionally, Cao’s expertise includes roles as a diver and explosive ordnance disposal officer.
Trump has lauded Cao as a “true warrior” and has urged the Senate for a swift confirmation. In response to his nomination, Cao expressed it as an honor and emphasized his commitment to enhancing shipbuilding and ensuring homeland security. His nomination arrives at a crucial time as the Navy grapples with the pressures of ongoing tensions with Iran, which have resulted in extended deployments such as that of the USS Abraham Lincoln. This situation has prompted concern from lawmakers regarding crew fatigue, mental health, and supply shortages.
Throughout his tenure as the acting secretary, Cao has prioritized advancements in shipbuilding, modernization, and artificial intelligence, aligning with the broader strategic aims of the U.S. Navy. His potential confirmation comes as the military experiences a period of leadership transition, highlighted by the recent resignation of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll.
Should Cao be confirmed, he would assume full leadership of the Navy and Marine Corps at a time marked by increased operational demands and a strategic push to bolster U.S. naval capabilities. His leadership is anticipated to guide the Navy through these challenges while addressing the critical needs of its personnel and infrastructure.
