Hung Cao was confirmed as Under Secretary of the Navy in October 2025 and has since been involved in overseeing Navy reform efforts and ongoing readiness initiatives. Recent reporting through early 2026 notes continued coverage of his role, including discussions about personnel policy adjustments and accountability measures within the Navy leadership structure.[1][3][5][9]
Key developments to look for now
- Leadership changes and policy reforms: expected focus on readiness reforms, base support enhancements, and modernization of IT and business systems.[2]
- Budget and procurement implications: oversight of shipbuilding programs, maintenance, and audits as the Navy aims for stronger budgeting and transparency.[1][2]
- Personnel and DEI-related discussions: Cao has been described in some coverage as having opposed certain DEI initiatives, which informs how he may steer personnel policy and culture within the department.[3][1]
If you’d like, I can pull the latest headlines and summarize them with direct citations.
Sources
Hung Cao, a US Naval Academy graduate who tried for congressional seats in the House and Senate, will now serve in the Navy's second highest position after the
wjla.comPresident Donald Trump is leaning on Hung Cao for the role of Under Secretary of the Navy. Learn more about the Navy Special Ops Veteran’s platform and goals.
mybaseguide.comHung Cao, the newly confirmed Navy under secretary, most recently served as VP and Navy and Marine Corps client executive at CACI International.
www.executivegov.comCao arrived in the United States as a refugee from Vietnam in 1975. Cao had been serving as the 35th United States Under Secretary of the Navy since October 2025, after being nominated by President Trump in February 2025. , US News, Times Now
www.timesnownews.comThe Honorable Hung Cao was sworn in as Under Secretary of the Navy on 3 October 2025.
www.navy.milNavy Secretary John C. Phelan has appointed new Navy Under Secretary Hung Cao to spearhead an extensive reform agenda aimed at revitalizing the Navy and
news.ssbcrack.comThe U.S. Senate has confirmed Capt. Hung Cao (USN, ret'd) as the next Undersecretary of the Navy. Cao, the son of a high-ranking South Vietnamese off...
maritime-executive.comThe Navy announced an apology and a path to reinstatement for service members discharged over the COVID-19 vaccine mandate as the Pentagon moves to review and correct past separations.
www.wccsradio.comSecretary of the Navy John C. Phelan is stepping down: Navy Secretary John C. Phelan has resigned, with Undersecretary Hung Cao stepping in as acting chief. Cao, a 25-year Navy veteran and Vietnamese…
economictimes.com