President Donald Trump has put forward Hung Cao, the acting Secretary of the Navy, as his nominee for the permanent role of Secretary of the Navy, a position vacant for four months following John Phelan’s departure. Cao’s appointment is now pending Senate approval. Before stepping into the acting secretary role in April, Cao served as the Navy’s undersecretary. With a distinguished 25-year military career, he is a retired Navy captain who has participated in special operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and has served as a diver and explosive ordnance disposal officer.

In a statement, Trump lauded Cao as a “true warrior” and urged the Senate to expedite his confirmation. Cao expressed gratitude for the nomination, emphasizing his commitment to bolstering shipbuilding and ensuring national security. His nomination arrives at a time when the Navy is under increased examination due to the stress on its personnel amid ongoing tensions with Iran. Issues have surfaced around the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been deployed for an unusually prolonged period, sparking concerns from lawmakers about crew fatigue, mental health, and shortages of essential supplies.

During his tenure as the acting secretary, Cao has prioritized shipbuilding, modernization, and the integration of artificial intelligence within the Navy. His nomination is part of broader shifts in the leadership of the U.S. military, which has recently seen the resignation of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll.

Should the Senate confirm him, Cao will take the helm of the Navy and Marine Corps during a time of increased operational demands and a strategic push to enhance U.S. naval capabilities. His leadership will be critical in navigating the pressures and expectations faced by the armed forces as they adapt to evolving global challenges.