Navy Secretary John Phelan Departs Abruptly in Surprise Pentagon Shakeup

In a surprise Pentagon shakeup, John C. Phelan is departing the administration effective immediately, the Department of War announced Wednesday, abruptly ending a turbulent tenure defined by ambitious shipbuilding plans, efforts to revive the maritime industrial base, and bold—at times controversial—visions for restoring American sea power.

Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell disclosed the move in a brief statement on social media, offering no explanation for the abrupt departure. Hung Cao, the former Navy EOD officer and current undersecretary, will assume the role of acting Navy secretary effective immediately.

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Phelan was fired amid simmering