Trump says he is nominating Hung Cao to be Navy secretary

President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that he is nominating acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao for the permanent position, addressing concerns that Navy personnel have been pushed to their limits during the ongoing conflict in Iran. Cao assumed the role of acting Navy secretary following unexpected and unexplained departure of John Phelan in late April.

Unlike Phelan, who lacked military experience and a civilian leadership position, Cao dedicated 25 years to the Navy as a special operations officer, including service with SEAL teams and special forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. Trump expressed his delight in nominating a true warrior and urged the Senate to confirm Cao's appointment "ASAP."

Cao welcomed the nomination as the "honor of a lifetime to lead the great warriors of the Navy and Marine Corps team." The nomination arrives amidst worries that Trump might be overburdening the Navy, with claims of strained resources on board the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, which has been deployed to support the Iran war for nine months, including a continuous time at sea.

These concerns intensified following reports of deteriorating mental health among crew members and shortages of essentials such as food and hygiene products. Democrats, including Senators Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Ruben Gallego of Arizona, are demanding accountability from the Pentagon concerning the ship's conditions.

In the past, Cao served as Navy undersecretary, advocating for the return of service members who refused the Biden-era mandate to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. As a staunch Trump supporter, Cao also expressed no reservations about the Navy's Blue Angels demonstrating squadron flying low over a crowded Florida beach in July, causing chairs and tents to fly.