Trump says he’s nominating acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao for the permanent job - AP News

Cao stepped into the acting role after John Phelan left the job unexpectedly and without explanation in late April. The two men could not be more different on paper. Phelan had no military service and no prior civilian leadership role in the Navy. Cao spent a quarter century as a special operations officer, serving with SEAL teams and special forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Trump announced the pick on social media, writing that he is "pleased to nominate a true WARRIOR." The nomination comes as operational strain on the fleet has become a real concern, with reports that sailors are being pushed hard while the Iran conflict continues.

For people here in Lubbock with family members in uniform, this kind of leadership decision at the top of the Navy chain hits closer to home than a typical Washington appointment. West Texas sends a steady stream of young men and women into all branches of service, and who sits in that secretary's chair shapes everything from deployment lengths to readiness policy.

Cao still requires Senate confirmation before the job is officially his.