Story perspectives

Navy Secretary Phelan Resigns, Deputy Takes Submarine Oversight

4/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Navy Secretary John Phelan left his post immediately, prompting Undersecretary Hung Cao to act as interim secretary.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the department thanked Phelan for his service and wished him well.
Deputy Secretary Stephen Feinberg assumed submarine programs while the Office of Management and Budget took shipbuilding oversight.
His departure precedes Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s testimony on the Pentagon’s $1.5 trillion budget, which funds the Golden Fleet.

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Story summary

U.S. Navy Secretary John Phelan left his post immediately, prompting Undersecretary Hung Cao to act as interim secretary.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the department thanked Phelan for his service and wished him well.
Deputy Secretary Stephen Feinberg assumed submarine programs while the Office of Management and Budget took shipbuilding oversight.
His departure precedes Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s testimony on the Pentagon’s $1.5 trillion budget, which funds the Golden Fleet.