US Navy chief leaving post 'effective immediately', Pentagon says

April 23, 2026

US Navy Secretary John Phelan has been removed from his position effective immediately, with Navy Undersecretary Hung Cao assuming the role on an acting basis. Phelan's departure follows reported tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the implementation of President Trump's shipbuilding initiatives, though no official reason was provided. The removal continues a pattern of high-ranking military leadership changes, as Hegseth has dismissed more than a dozen senior officers since taking his position.

Who is affected

John Phelan (outgoing Navy Secretary)
Hung Cao (Navy Undersecretary becoming acting Secretary)
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
President Donald Trump
The US Navy organization
Army Chief of Staff Randy George (asked to step down)
Gen David Hodne and Maj Gen Green (removed Army officials)
More than a dozen senior military officers fired by Hegseth
Iran and parties involved in the Strait of Hormuz conflict

What action is being taken

Hung Cao is serving as acting Navy Secretary
The US is maintaining a naval blockade of Iranian ports
Defense Secretary Hegseth is removing senior military officers from their positions
The US and Iran are engaged in clashes in the Strait of Hormuz

Why it matters

This represents a significant shake-up in military leadership during a period of active conflict and international tensions. The removal of a Navy Secretary amid an ongoing US blockade of Iranian ports in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz—which supplies much of the world's oil—raises questions about military continuity and decision-making during critical operations. The broader pattern of dismissing numerous senior military leaders suggests a major restructuring of Pentagon leadership, which could affect military readiness, policy implementation, and the execution of strategic initiatives like Trump's shipbuilding program.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC