Washington (Agencies): The Senate has confirmed John Phelan as the next secretary of the Navy, making him only the seventh non-veteran to hold the position in the past 70 years. Phelan, founder of the private investment firm Rugger Management LLC, was approved in a 62-30 vote, with most of his support coming from Republican lawmakers. He is expected to assume the role in the coming days.
Phelan, the first service secretary pick announced by President Donald Trump, is the second to be confirmed, following last month’s approval of Daniel Driscoll as Army secretary. During his confirmation hearing on February 27, Phelan emphasized the urgent need for reform within the Navy, citing issues such as extended deployments, inadequate maintenance, cost overruns, delayed shipbuilding, failed audits, subpar housing, and record-high suicide rates among service members.
“The U.S. Navy is at [a] crossroads,” Phelan told the Senate Armed Services Committee. “These are systemic failures that have gone unaddressed for far too long. Frankly, this is unacceptable.” He argued that his lack of military experience would allow him to challenge traditional thinking and bring a results-oriented approach to the role.
Phelan will be supported by Hung Cao, a Navy special operations veteran who was sworn in earlier this month as under secretary of the Navy. Cao’s extensive military background is expected to complement Phelan’s business acumen.
The Navy is currently without a top uniformed leader following the dismissal of Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti, the Navy’s first female chief, in a Pentagon leadership shake-up last month. Meanwhile, the Senate Armed Services Committee is preparing for a confirmation hearing for Trump’s third service secretary nominee, Troy Meink, who has been tapped to lead the Air Force.
Phelan’s appointment comes at a critical time for the Navy, as it faces growing international threats and internal challenges. His leadership will be closely watched as he seeks to implement reforms and address the pressing issues facing the service.