US Navy chief leaving post ‘effective immediately’, Pentagon says

The Pentagon announced on Wednesday that John Phelan, the US Navy Secretary, is departing the Trump administration with immediate effect. A spokesperson, Sean Parnell, shared the news through a social media post, stating the transition will occur without delay. Phelan’s role will be temporarily filled by Hung Cao, the Navy’s Undersecretary.

Phelan’s exit follows a string of high-profile departures among senior military leaders in recent months. The decision comes amid the escalating US-Israel conflict with Iran and the persistent blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime passage for global oil trade. Parnell expressed gratitude for Phelan’s contributions, adding, “We wish him well in his future endeavors.”

Leadership Transition Context

Phelan, a civilian with no prior military service, was appointed in March 2025 after a 2024 nomination by President Donald Trump. His replacement, Cao, has been serving as undersecretary since October 2025 and brings 25 years of naval experience to the role. Cao previously ran an unsuccessful Senate campaign in Virginia in 2024, backed by Trump, against Senator Tim Kaine.

The Navy did not disclose the reason for Phelan’s departure. Meanwhile, Trump reiterated his stance that the US blockade of Iranian ports will continue even as a ceasefire is in place. Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, claimed that the Strait of Hormuz cannot be reopened due to the US and Israel’s “blatant violations of the ceasefire.”

“On behalf of the Secretary of War and Deputy Secretary of War, we are grateful to Secretary Phelan for his service to the Department and the United States Navy,” Parnell stated.

“We wish him well in his future endeavors.”

“It is not possible for the Strait of Hormuz to be re-opened due to the blatant violations of the ceasefire by the US and Israel,” Ghalibaf added.

Earlier this year, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had already dismissed several military officials, including the chief of naval operations and the Air Force’s vice-chief of staff. The pattern of leadership changes continues as the administration navigates tensions in the region.