President Donald Trump announced his nomination of acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao for the permanent role, urging the Senate to swiftly confirm the "true WARRIOR." Cao has served as acting secretary for four months, overseeing the Navy and Marine Corps and focusing on shipbuilding and homeland defense. Trump praised Cao's leadership, emphasizing his capability to maintain the strength of the Navy and Marine Corps.
Cao, a retired Navy captain and Naval Academy graduate, served 25 years in special operations with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Before his current role, he held the position of Navy undersecretary. His political background includes an unsuccessful 2022 congressional bid and a 2024 Senate challenge against Tim Kaine, where he received Trump's endorsement.
This nomination comes amidst concerns regarding the strain on sailors during the ongoing war with Iran, with some, including Democrats in Congress, believing the Navy has been overtaxed. The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, for instance, experienced a record-setting uninterrupted deployment, leading to reports of deteriorating crew mental health and supply shortages. Trump's administration has also seen leadership turmoil, including the unexpected departure of former Navy Secretary John Phelan and the resignation of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll. Cao, however, has acknowledged some mental health cases and a planned rotation stop in Thailand for the USS Abraham Lincoln.
