President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social Sept. 1 that he will nominate acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao to permanently lead the Department of the Navy.
Cao has served as acting secretary since April 22, overseeing the Navy and Marine Corps after previously serving as under secretary of the Navy. His nomination requires Senate confirmation.
Trump urged the Senate to move quickly on the nomination, citing Cao’s four months leading the department.
“I am pleased to nominate a true WARRIOR, Hung Cao, to become the next Secretary of the Navy,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding that the Senate should confirm him “ASAP.”
Shipbuilding has been a major focus during Cao’s tenure as acting secretary. In May, the Navy released its fiscal year 2027 Shipbuilding Plan, which calls for expanding fleet capacity, increasing shipyard and workforce capacity, and strengthening the maritime industrial base. The administration’s fiscal 2027 budget request includes $65.8 billion for Navy shipbuilding.
“This Shipbuilding Plan provides a roadmap for the Golden Fleet, to grow a larger, more capable Fleet while revitalizing the industrial base, strengthening our workforce, and ensuring our Sailors and Marines have the platforms they need to defeat any adversary for decades to come,” Cao said when the plan was released.
Cao also appointed retired Vice Adm. Richard Breckenridge as the Navy’s senior adviser for shipbuilding in June. The position is focused on shipbuilding strategy, industrial-base revitalization, and acquisition reform.
A 1996 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Cao served as a Navy diver and explosive ordnance disposal officer, with deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Somalia. He retired from active duty as a captain in 2021.
Before joining the Navy Department, Cao worked as a vice president and client executive at CACI International. His work there included electronic warfare, counter-drone systems, communications technology, and shipyard infrastructure optimization for the Navy.
If confirmed, Cao would continue leading the department as the Navy works to expand shipbuilding capacity and address longstanding production, workforce, and industrial-base constraints.
