Navy secretary departs immediately as undersecretary takes over in acting role

The U.S. Navy has experienced a sudden leadership change as Secretary John C. Phelan departs immediately, with Undersecretary Hung Cao stepping in as Acting Secretary. Phelan's departure was announced by Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell, and sources indicate he was fired by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth without explanation. Phelan had been in office since March 2025 and oversaw a significant budget and personnel.