Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao Lists Shipbuilding as a Top Priority

The previous Navy secretary, John Phelan, had conflicted with other members of the administration over shipbuilding efforts, Trump said.

Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao delivers remarks during a commissioning ceremony for Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Idaho at the Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., on April 25, 2026. U.S. Navy photo by John Narewski

Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao vowed to boost shipbuilding efforts in a video statement addressing U.S. sailors and Marines on April 25.

“I want to take this time to address you and tell you that my priorities,” Cao said in a 40-second recorded statement about 60 hours after being named to fill the role of Navy secretary.