US Navy Secretary John Phelan Dismissed Amid Tensions and Iran Blockade Reports
US Navy Secretary John Phelan has been dismissed from his position, with Undersecretary Hung Cao assuming acting duties effective immediately. The departure follows months of tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, according to officials. One report links the move to an ongoing Iran blockade.
U.S. Navy / Wikimedia (Public domain)The US Navy Secretary John Phelan was fired, according to multiple reports, amid reported tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and references to an Iran blockade. The dismissal took effect immediately, with Undersecretary of the Navy Hung Cao stepping in as acting secretary.
According to the assistant to the secretary of war for public affairs, as reported by Sentdefender, John C. Phalen is departing his post effective immediately, with Hung Cao assuming the duties. Sources noted variations in the spelling of the secretary's name, listed as John Phelan in some accounts and John C.
Phalen in others, but referring to the same individual. No further details on the reasons were provided in the announcements.
The firing occurs against a backdrop of ongoing US military operations, including a heavy USAF airbridge supporting activities in the Middle East, as noted in separate reports. No contradictions appeared across the reports on the immediacy of the change or the acting successor. Other sources corroborated the core fact of the dismissal without additional context.
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