Washington, September 2, 2026: President Donald Trump has announced plans to nominate acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao to permanently lead the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, placing an experienced military veteran at the center of a department facing major operational challenges.
Cao has been serving as acting secretary since the unexpected departure of former Navy Secretary John Phelan earlier this year. Trump has praised Cao’s military background and called for the Senate to move quickly on his confirmation.
Cao is a Navy veteran with extensive experience in special operations. His background includes service with the Navy SEAL community as well as assignments connected to Iraq and Afghanistan. Before becoming acting secretary, he served as undersecretary of the Navy.
His nomination comes during a demanding period for the U.S. military. American forces remain heavily involved in operations connected to the conflict with Iran, while the Navy continues to manage deployments across multiple regions.
One of the most visible challenges has been the lengthy deployment of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. The carrier has spent an extended period at sea as part of U.S. military operations, raising concerns about fatigue, crew welfare and the availability of basic supplies.
The prolonged deployment has also highlighted the strain placed on American naval personnel. Congressional lawmakers have called for greater oversight of conditions affecting sailors and for the Pentagon to address concerns about readiness and service-member welfare.
If confirmed by the Senate, Cao would inherit responsibility for managing a Navy dealing with modernization demands, personnel challenges and growing international competition. The United States is seeking to maintain its military presence in the Indo-Pacific while also responding to security challenges in the Middle East and elsewhere.
The Navy secretary is responsible for major policy and administrative decisions involving the Navy and Marine Corps. The position also plays an important role in implementing the administration’s defense priorities and working with Congress on military budgets.
Cao’s confirmation process could therefore attract significant attention from both parties. Senators are expected to examine his military record, leadership experience and views on Navy modernization.
The nomination arrives as Washington debates how to balance long-term defense investments with the immediate demands created by overseas military operations. For the Navy, leadership stability will be important as it works to maintain readiness while managing increasingly complex global commitments.
