Trump Nominates Hung Cao as US Navy Secretary

Hung Cao was nominated by President Donald Trump on 1 September 2026 to serve as the permanent United States Secretary of the Navy. He had been serving as Acting Secretary of the Navy since 22 April 2026 and was earlier confirmed by the United States Senate as the 35th Under Secretary of the Navy on 3 October 2025.

Secretary of the Navy

The Secretary of the Navy is the civilian head of the Department of the Navy in the United States. The office oversees both the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps, which function under the Department of Defense.

Hung Cao’s Military Career

Hung Cao retired from active duty in October 2021 as a United States Navy Captain after a 25-year career. His service included special operations, diving, and explosive ordnance disposal duties, with deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Somalia.

Recent Administrative Roles

In August 2026, Acting Secretary Hung Cao established the Navy’s Office of the Defense Industrial Base. The office was created to secure supply chains and improve shipyard infrastructure.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Secretary of the Navy is a civilian post within the United States Department of the Navy.
• The United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps come under the Department of the Navy.
• Hung Cao was confirmed as the 35th Under Secretary of the Navy on 3 October 2025.
• Hung Cao retired as a Navy Captain in October 2021 after 25 years of service.

Political Background

Hung Cao contested elections in Virginia in November 2022 and November 2024 as a Republican candidate for the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate. Both campaigns were unsuccessful.