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Navy Secretary Phelan Quits, Amid Israel-Iran Conflict

4/23/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. Navy Secretary John Phelan resigned effective immediately, the latest Pentagon exit amid the Israel-Iran conflict and a Hormuz blockade.
Undersecretary Hung Cao became acting Navy secretary after Phelan's departure.
The Navy gave no explanation for Phelan's abrupt exit.
His resignation follows recent ousters of officers, including the chief of naval operations and the Air Force vice chief of staff.

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Story summary

U.S. Navy Secretary John Phelan resigned effective immediately, the latest Pentagon exit amid the Israel-Iran conflict and a Hormuz blockade.
Undersecretary Hung Cao became acting Navy secretary after Phelan's departure.
The Navy gave no explanation for Phelan's abrupt exit.
His resignation follows recent ousters of officers, including the chief of naval operations and the Air Force vice chief of staff.