US President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that he is nominating Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao to serve as the permanent Secretary of the Navy.
Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump praised Cao's background and urged quick action by lawmakers. "I am pleased to nominate a true WARRIOR, Hung Cao, to become the next Secretary of the Navy," Trump posted. "We need Patriots like Hung leading our Navy and Marine Corps, and I can think of no one better than him to make sure our Great Navy and Marine Corps remain the FIERCEST and BEST Force the World has ever seen. The Senate needs to confirm this Warfighter, ASAP, so he can continue the fantastic work he has been doing over the past 4 months".
In a statement posted to social media following the announcement, Cao expressed appreciation for the nomination, calling it the honor of a lifetime to lead the Navy and Marine Corps team while committing to advancing domestic shipbuilding priorities and defending the homeland.
Cao, a retired Navy Captain, Naval Academy graduate, and combat veteran with special operations and explosive ordnance disposal experience, previously served as Under Secretary of the Navy. He assumed the role of Acting Secretary of the Navy four months ago in April following the departure of former Navy Secretary John Phelan. During his tenure as acting head, Cao has focused on departmental modernization, supply chain strengthening, and launching new administrative offices aimed at accelerating dual-use defense technology integration.
The presidential nomination comes amid a period of leadership turnover at the Pentagon. The announcement followed one day after President Trump accepted the resignation of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, leaving multiple service leadership positions subject to pending Senate confirmation processes.
