Navy Secretary Steps Down Abruptly as Pentagon Reshuffles Leadership

Navy Secretary John Phelan resigns unexpectedly after about a year in the role; Undersecretary Hung Cao will serve as acting secretary. Phelan, a Trump-era appointee, steered controversial shipbuilding decisions (including the cancellation of the Constellation-class frigate) but struggled to lift overall ship construction. Feinberg has recently assumed more control over submarine programs, with the OMB overseeing shipbuilding. The departure comes ahead of a major defense budget push that could expand Navy programs, including a proposed new “Golden Fleet” of battleships.