Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed the move, saying Phelan “will depart the administration effective immediately,” and added: “We are grateful to Secretary Phelan for his service to the department and the U.S. Navy.”No reason was given for his sudden resignation.Phelan’s exit comes at a sensitive time, as the US Navy is actively involved in imposing a blockade on Iranian ports and targeting ships linked to Tehran amid a fragile ceasefire in the Iranian conflict.The US Navy also maintains a strong operational presence in key global waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz and its surrounding sea routes.
Hong Kao takes over as Acting Navy Commander
Hong Kao, a former Navy combat officer and Trump-backed political candidate, will serve as acting Secretary of the Navy.Cao, a 25-year Navy veteran who served in Iraq, Afghanistan and Somalia, previously ran unsuccessful campaigns for the US Senate and House of Representatives in Virginia.
Since becoming undersecretary, he has supported efforts such as reinstating military service members who declined coronavirus vaccination mandates.
Part of a broader reshuffle at the Pentagon
Phelan’s exit adds to a growing list of high-level changes at the Pentagon. In recent weeks, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth fired several senior military leaders, including the Army’s top officer, Gen. Randy George, as well as other generals and admirals.Earlier, dismissals of high-profile figures included advertising. Lisa Franchitti and General Charles “CQ” Brown Jr.,
This reflects a broader change in military leadership since early 2025.Notably, Phelan had made a public appearance just one day earlier at a Navy conference in Washington, where he addressed sailors and industry leaders and discussed shipbuilding and budget priorities.
The exit comes amid escalating regional tensions
The leadership change coincides with escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where recent attacks on commercial ships and a US naval blockade have raised concerns about the stability of the ceasefire with Iran.The United States has maintained the blockade even after the truce was extended, while Iran has criticized the move as a violation of the terms of the ceasefire and has not yet committed to new talks.With several US aircraft carriers deployed or heading to the Middle East, the US Navy remains pivotal to any potential escalation if negotiations fail.
