The Department of Defense announced that Navy Secretary John Phelan is stepping down from his role as the Navy’s highest-ranking civilian leader, effective immediately.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed Phelan’s exit, stating he is “departing the administration, effective immediately.” Navy Undersecretary Hung Cao has been named to serve as acting secretary of the Navy.
This departure marks another significant change in the Pentagon’s senior leadership ranks, with Phelan’s exit adding to a series of high-level defense official departures in recent months.
