Story perspectives

Navy Secretary Phelan Departs, Hung Cao Takes Reins.

4/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Navy Secretary John Phelan left his post April 22, 2026.
Undersecretary Hung Cao, a 25-year Navy veteran and Senate candidate, became acting secretary.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell announced Phelan’s departure without a reason.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth clashed with Phelan over the Trump-class battleship program, which critics said would cost $24-$26 billion per ship.
Acting Secretary Hung Cao is expected to maintain operations, including the Strait of Hormuz blockade and three aircraft carriers.

History

Historical Context

In 1995, after Congress removed the Iowa-class battleships from the Naval Vessel Register, the Navy faced criticism for the $1.7 billion 1980s modernization that had already exceeded budget. Decades later, in April 2026 Navy Secretary John Phelan resigned and Acting Secretary Hung Cao inherited the contested new battleship program, valued at billions of dollars.

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Story summary

Navy Secretary John Phelan left his post April 22, 2026.
Undersecretary Hung Cao, a 25-year Navy veteran and Senate candidate, became acting secretary.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell announced Phelan’s departure without a reason.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth clashed with Phelan over the Trump-class battleship program, which critics said would cost $24-$26 billion per ship.
Acting Secretary Hung Cao is expected to maintain operations, including the Strait of Hormuz blockade and three aircraft carriers.

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