The Pentagon announced on Wednesday that John Phelan, the navy’s top civilian official and secretary of the navy, is leaving his position. Sean Parnell, a Pentagon spokesperson, stated that Phelan was “departing the administration, effective immediately.” Hung Cao, the navy undersecretary, will take on the role of acting secretary of the navy.
Reuters reported, citing an anonymous source, that Phelan was fired by the Pentagon. Phelan’s departure follows his recent address to a large audience of sailors and industry professionals at the navy’s annual conference in Washington D.C.
The removal of Phelan comes amidst the US navy imposing a blockade of Iranian ports and targeting ships with ties to Tehran worldwide during a fragile ceasefire in the Iran conflict.
Context: Departure of John Phelan as the navy secretary. Fact Check: Phelan was reported to have been fired by the Pentagon.
:fill(black)/2026/04/22/69e91c31b9bf8800248421.png "Ships attacked: Iran puts pressure on the Strait of Hormuz")
