By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/navy-secretary-john-phelan-is-leaving-pentagon-says-in-latest-departure-of-a-top-defense-leader Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Navy Secretary John Phelan is leaving, Pentagon says, in latest departure of a top defense leader Politics Apr 22, 2026 5:50 PM EDT WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon announced Wednesday that the Navy's top civilian official, Secretary of the Navy John Phelan, is leaving his job. In a statement posted to social media, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said Phelan was "departing the administration, effective immediately." READ MORE: Hegseth asks Army's top uniformed officer to step down as U.S. wages war against Iran Navy Undersecretary Hung Cao will become acting secretary of the Navy, Parnell said. The sudden departure comes just a day after Phelan addressed a large crowd of sailors and industry professionals at the Navy's annual conference in Washington, D.C., and spoke with reporters on his ongoing agenda. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now By — Associated Press Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon announced Wednesday that the Navy's top civilian official, Secretary of the Navy John Phelan, is leaving his job. In a statement posted to social media, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said Phelan was "departing the administration, effective immediately." READ MORE: Hegseth asks Army's top uniformed officer to step down as U.S. wages war against Iran Navy Undersecretary Hung Cao will become acting secretary of the Navy, Parnell said. The sudden departure comes just a day after Phelan addressed a large crowd of sailors and industry professionals at the Navy's annual conference in Washington, D.C., and spoke with reporters on his ongoing agenda. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now