President Donald Trump has nominated Hung Cao to serve as Navy Secretary, giving formal backing to the military veteran who has been leading the department in an acting role for the past several months.
The nomination was announced on Tuesday. Trump praised Cao and urged the Senate to move quickly on his confirmation. The position became vacant earlier this year after the previous Navy Secretary stepped down in April.
In a public statement, Trump said the Navy and Marine Corps need strong leaders and described Cao as the right person for the job. He said Cao has already shown his ability to lead and should be confirmed as soon as possible so he can continue his work.
Cao responded to the announcement by thanking the president and expressing his commitment to the military branch. He said it was a great honor to lead the men and women of the Navy and Marine Corps. He also said he looks forward to continuing efforts to improve shipbuilding programs and strengthen national defense.
The nomination places Cao in line to become the permanent leader of one of the largest military organizations in the United States. If confirmed, he will oversee major naval operations, personnel matters, modernization efforts, and long-term defense planning.
Cao has a long history of military service. He came to the United States in 1975 and later joined the Navy as a Seaman Recruit in 1989. His career advanced over the years, and he was commissioned as a Special Operations Officer after graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 1996.
Throughout his military career, Cao served in a range of leadership positions. His experience in both operational and strategic roles helped build his reputation within the defense community. Supporters point to this background as a key reason why he was selected for the nomination.
Before taking on his current leadership role in the Navy, Cao also entered politics. In 2024, he ran for the U.S. Senate in Virginia. He challenged Democratic Senator Tim Kaine but was unsuccessful in the election. During that campaign, Trump publicly praised Cao and highlighted his military service.
Since becoming Acting Navy Secretary, Cao has faced several major challenges. His tenure has come during a period of heightened military activity and growing security concerns. The ongoing conflict involving Iran has placed added demands on military readiness and naval operations.
Cao has also been involved in addressing issues related to the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier. Reports emerged about difficult living conditions aboard the vessel. Concerns included claims of mold in shower areas and problems with food quality. The reports drew public attention and sparked debate about conditions faced by sailors during long deployments.
The situation gained further attention after reports indicated that several sailors attempted to leave the ship by jumping overboard. Military leaders faced questions about crew welfare and support systems during extended operations.
At the time, Trump rejected criticism surrounding the carrier. He argued that some reports about conditions aboard the ship were inaccurate and overstated. He also noted that aircraft carriers have historically spent long periods at sea during military missions.
As Acting Navy Secretary, Cao has worked to manage these challenges while maintaining operational readiness. His supporters argue that his experience during difficult circumstances demonstrates his ability to lead the service through periods of uncertainty.
The nomination now moves to the Senate, where lawmakers will review Cao’s qualifications and record before holding a confirmation vote. While the process can take time, several senators have already expressed support for his appointment.
If approved, Cao would officially become Navy Secretary and continue leading efforts focused on military readiness, fleet modernization, and support for service members. His confirmation would also mark another step in Trump’s effort to place trusted allies and experienced military leaders in key defense positions.
The Senate’s decision in the coming weeks will determine whether Cao transitions from acting leader to permanent head of the Navy and Marine Corps team.
