Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao has vowed to ramp up shipbuilding in his first remarks since taking over for John Phelan, who was fired from the high-level role last week.
In a roughly 40-second “message to the force” posted to X on Saturday, Cao outlined his three priorities for the Navy.
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“First and foremost is to take care of you. We will take care of your needs and make sure you can do the mission,” Cao said, directly addressing the sailors under his command. “Second is we’re going to build ships. We need the platforms we need in order to defend this country. And finally, it is to defend the homeland. Our mission has not changed, and we’re going to keep driving on with the mission.”
“I’m never above you, I’m never below you, I’m always beside you. Semper fi and hooyah,” he concluded.
Cao’s emphasis on shipbuilding comes after Phelan, his predecessor who was ousted on Wednesday, reportedly struggled to revamp the industry.
Phelan entered the top job with no military background, yet had a close relationship with President Donald Trump.
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For now, Cao, a Navy veteran, has taken over his responsibilities after serving as undersecretary.
Trump has yet to announce a full-time replacement, and any new pick for Navy secretary will require Senate confirmation.
