Combat Veteran Picked to Permanently Head Navy Amid Major Shake-Up in U.S. Military Leadership
U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao to serve permanently as Secretary of the Navy, placing a combat veteran with extensive naval experience at the centre of the service’s leadership as the Trump administration continues to reorganize the U.S. military.
Trump announced the nomination on September 1, describing Cao as a “true WARRIOR” and urging the Senate to confirm him quickly. The nomination must now go through the Senate confirmation process.
“We need Patriots like Hung leading our Navy and Marine Corps,” Trump said, arguing that Cao was well positioned to help maintain the Navy and Marine Corps as a leading global military force.
Cao Has Led the Navy in an Acting Capacity
Cao has served as acting Secretary of the Navy since April, following the unexpected departure of former Navy Secretary John Phelan.
Before taking the acting position, Cao served as Under Secretary of the Navy. He was confirmed by the Senate for that position in October 2025.
His military background is extensive. Cao graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1996 and spent 25 years in the Navy, serving as an explosive ordnance disposal and diving officer and working with special operations forces. He retired from active service as a Navy captain after deployments that included Iraq and Afghanistan.
Focus on Shipbuilding and Naval Readiness
If confirmed, Cao would oversee the Department of the Navy, including the Navy and Marine Corps, with responsibility for major areas ranging from recruiting and readiness to equipment, shipbuilding and naval infrastructure.
During his time as acting secretary, Cao has placed particular emphasis on shipbuilding and strengthening the U.S. naval industrial base, issues that have become major priorities for the Trump administration.
Cao said following the nomination that it was an “honor of a lifetime” to potentially lead the Navy and Marine Corps, while highlighting continued efforts on shipbuilding and homeland defence.
Nomination Comes Amid Pentagon Leadership Changes
Cao’s nomination comes during a period of significant turnover among senior U.S. military officials.
The announcement came just one day after Trump accepted the resignation of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, amid reports of tensions between Driscoll and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The Navy itself has also experienced leadership changes. Phelan left the secretary position in April, with Cao subsequently taking over in an acting capacity.
The changes come as the Pentagon faces major demands linked to military operations, force readiness, shipbuilding and the modernization of the U.S. armed forces.
Senate Confirmation Now Ahead
Cao’s nomination now moves to the U.S. Senate, where lawmakers will consider whether to confirm him as the permanent Secretary of the Navy.
For the Trump administration, the appointment would provide a permanent civilian leader for the Navy at a time when Washington is placing renewed emphasis on naval power, military readiness, shipbuilding and strengthening America’s defence capabilities.
If confirmed, Cao would become one of the most prominent Vietnamese-American figures to hold a senior position in the U.S. military establishment and would move from his current acting role into permanent leadership of the Department of the Navy.
