President Donald Trump has officially nominated acting Navy Secretary and retired combat veteran Hung Cao to step into the role on a permanent basis, praising him as a dedicated warfighter equipped to guide the maritime branch through complex global challenges.
The announcement, shared on social media, highlights Cao’s extraordinary personal journey from fleeing communist Vietnam as a refugee following the fall of Saigon to building a distinguished 25-year career as a naval special operations officer. Cao’s military background includes extensive operational experience with elite special forces teams across Iraq, Afghanistan, and Somalia.
Cao has been serving as the acting secretary since late April, following the departure of his predecessor, John Phelan. Prior to taking the interim helm, Cao served as the Navy’s undersecretary after being confirmed by the Senate in late 2025. His ascension to the permanent post comes at a critical operational juncture for the armed forces, as the Navy and Marine Corps manage high-tempo demands and logistical strains associated with ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
Trump urged the Senate to move quickly on the confirmation, emphasizing that leadership with firsthand combat experience is vital to ensuring the nation’s naval forces maintain their readiness, combat effectiveness, and focus on core military priorities. Responding to the nomination on social media, Cao called the appointment the honor of a lifetime, pledging to continue prioritizing fleet readiness, accelerated shipbuilding efforts, and the defense of the homeland.
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