Overview
- John Phelan was removed from his post Wednesday, and Deputy Navy Secretary Hung Cao was installed as acting leader with immediate effect, the Pentagon said.
- The department offered no reason beyond a brief thank-you, providing no public details on what prompted the sudden change.
- Reporting from multiple outlets says Phelan clashed for months with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over how quickly to overhaul the Navy’s shipbuilding program.
- Several sources told CNN that President Donald Trump and Hegseth agreed the Navy needed new leadership and that Phelan was told to resign or be fired.
- The shake-up lands as the Navy enforces a blockade of Iranian ports, a high-tempo mission that some reports say could complicate restocking Tomahawk missiles and advanced air defenses after recent heavy use.