US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has removed Navy Secretary John Phelan in a major shake-up within the US military leadership.
The move comes amid ongoing tensions involving Iran, with the US enforcing a large naval blockade in the Middle East, according to The Wall Street Journal citing US officials.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed the decision in a social media post on Wednesday. Authorities did not officially state a clear reason for the dismissal.
Hung Cao, the current undersecretary and a Navy veteran, will take over as acting Navy secretary.
US officials said Hegseth removed Phelan over concerns that he was not moving fast enough on President Donald Trump’s shipbuilding priorities. Senior Pentagon leadership, including Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg, supported the decision.
The dismissal follows months of internal tension between Phelan and top defence officials. Differences also emerged over his direct communication with President Trump and policy decisions that bypassed the defence leadership.
The leadership change comes as the US Navy intensifies operations in the Middle East. More than 15 warships are currently deployed in support of actions against Iran.
Phelan, who assumed office in March 2025 after nomination by Trump, was among several senior military figures removed in recent months as part of broader changes within the Pentagon.
