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Navy Secretary John Phelan Removed Amid Ongoing Iran Naval Blockade

KVIA•Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 10:50 PM•CNN

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John Phelan has been removed from his role as Secretary of the Navy, effective immediately, according to Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell. This decision comes during a critical period as the U.S. Navy conducts a blockade of Iranian ports, having redirected 29 vessels and boarded two ships. Tensions had reportedly been escalating between Phelan and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who was dissatisfied with Phelan's pace on shipbuilding reforms and his communications with former President Trump. Undersecretary Hung Cao will step in as Acting Secretary of the Navy. Phelan's departure marks a significant shift, being the first military service secretary to be ousted under the Trump administration.

Key Details: • Phelan's removal is effective immediately as of Wednesday evening. • The U.S. Navy has redirected 29 vessels and boarded two ships during the blockade. • Hung Cao will serve as Acting Secretary of the Navy following Phelan's departure. • Phelan's tenure was marked by tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over shipbuilding reforms.

military trump leadership navy iran

People & Organizations

Department of DefensePete HegsethU.S. NavyJohn PhelanSteve FeinbergSean Parnell

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