Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao has outlined his priorities in his first public remarks since assuming the role, emphasizing shipbuilding, sailor support, and homeland defense. Cao, a retired Navy captain, replaced John Phelan, who was abruptly fired last week. In a 40-second video message posted to X (formerly Twitter), Cao stated his three main goals: caring for sailors, accelerating shipbuilding, and defending the homeland. He also pledged to work alongside service members, saying, 'I’m never above you, I’m never below you, I’m always beside you.'
Cao’s appointment follows reports that Phelan, who had no military background but close ties to President Donald Trump, struggled to revamp the shipbuilding industry. Cao, who previously served as undersecretary of the Navy, was reportedly sidelined by Phelan and excluded from key decision-making processes. A source familiar with the situation told CNN that Phelan 'put Cao in a box,' preventing him from representing the Navy secretary in official meetings. Cao learned of his promotion from Pentagon officials, who informed him, 'Ok, you’re it — we made a change.'
The Navy is currently playing a critical role in stopping Iranian ships from traversing the Strait of Hormuz, a mission that will likely remain a priority under Cao’s leadership. Cao, a decorated special operations officer, has a history of controversial statements on social issues. During his 2024 Senate campaign against Virginia Democrat Tim Kaine, he criticized diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, stating, 'What we need is alpha males and alpha females who are going to rip out their own guts to defend this country.' He also opposed using drag queens for military recruitment, saying, 'That’s not the people we want.'
Cao immigrated to the U.S. as a child after fleeing Vietnam during the Vietnam War. He retired from the Navy in 2021 and ran for Congress in 2022 before challenging Kaine in 2024. Trump has not yet announced a permanent replacement for Phelan, and any new nominee will require Senate confirmation.