Pentagon confirms Navy Secretary John Phelan's sudden exit as Hung Cao becomes acting leader, signaling a major US defense leadership shift in Washington, DC.

Pentagon announces sudden departure of Navy Secretary John Phelan as the Defense Department confirmed on Wednesday, April 23, 2026, that John Phelan is leaving his position effective immediately, marking a sudden shift in U.S. military leadership. The announcement came through a social media statement by Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell, who did not provide further details on the reason for the exit.

Following the announcement, Navy Undersecretary Hung Cao was appointed acting secretary of the Navy to maintain operational continuity. The timing drew attention as Phelan had appeared just one day earlier at the Navy’s annual conference in Washington, D.C., addressing service members and industry leaders while outlining ongoing priorities.

Officials have not indicated when a permanent replacement may be named, leaving the acting leadership in place as the department continues its activities.