WASHINGTON: The US Secretary of the Navy, John Phelan, will leave his position “immediately,” the Pentagon announced on Wednesday, without giving any reason for his sudden departure.
His exit comes shortly after the dismissal of senior US Army officer General Randy George and two other high-ranking officials earlier this month, amid the ongoing war with Iran that remains unresolved.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in a post on X that Phelan “is departing the administration, effective immediately,” adding that Undersecretary Hung Cao will serve as acting replacement.
Since returning to office early last year, US President Donald Trump has overseen a series of leadership changes within the military, including the removal of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles “CQ” Brown in February 2025, a decision made without explanation.
Other officials removed include senior leaders from the Navy and Coast Guard, the head of the National Security Agency, the Air Force vice chief of staff, a Navy admiral assigned to NATO, and three senior military legal officers.
Additionally, the Air Force chief of staff stepped down early into his term, while the commander of US Southern Command also retired ahead of schedule.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has said the changes reflect the president’s preference in selecting military leadership, though Democratic lawmakers have raised concerns about possible politicisation of the traditionally non-partisan armed forces.
Last year, the Pentagon also directed a reduction in the number of active-duty four-star generals and admirals, along with a broader cut in overall general and flag officer positions.