Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed the move, saying Phelan would “leave the government immediately,” adding, “We thank Secretary Phelan for his service to the Department of Defense and the U.S. Navy.”No reason was given for his sudden resignation.Phelan’s exit comes at a sensitive time, with the U.S. Navy actively involved in enforcing blockades of Iranian ports and targeting ships with ties to Tehran amid a fragile ceasefire in the Iran conflict.The U.S. Navy also maintains a strong operational presence in major waterways around the world, including the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding sea lanes.
Cao Hong serves as acting navy commander
Cao Hong, a former naval operations officer and Trump-backed political candidate, will take over as acting Navy secretary.Chao, a 25-year Navy veteran who served in Iraq, Afghanistan and Somalia, previously ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives in Virginia.Since becoming deputy secretary of state, he has supported efforts such as reinstating service members who refuse Covid-19 vaccination mandates.
part of broader Pentagon reshuffle
Phelan’s exit adds to the Pentagon’s growing list of top-level changes. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has fired several senior military leaders in recent weeks, including top Army officer Gen. Randy George and other generals and admirals.Earlier, high-profile firings included Ade. Lisa Franchetti and Gen. Charles “CQ” Brown Jr., Reflecting broader changes in military leadership since early 2025.Notably, Phelan made a public appearance a day earlier at a Navy conference in Washington, where he addressed sailors and industry leaders and discussed shipbuilding and budget priorities.
Withdrawal comes amid rising regional tensions
The leadership change comes amid rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where recent attacks on commercial ships and a U.S.-imposed naval blockade have raised concerns about the stability of the ceasefire with Iran.The United States maintained the blockade even after extending the ceasefire, while Iran criticized the move as violating the terms of the ceasefire and has not yet committed to new negotiations.With multiple U.S. aircraft carriers deployed in or heading to the Middle East, the U.S. Navy remains at the center of any potential escalation if negotiations fail.
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