Hung Cao currently serves as acting Secretary of the Navy after John Phelan's departure in April 2026 and was previously confirmed as under secretary in a 52-45 Senate vote in October 2025. President Trump formally nominated him for the permanent role on September 1, 2026, with the nomination transmitted to the Senate on September 14. Confirmation requires both a Senate vote and congressional waivers from a 2021 law mandating at least seven years since retirement from active duty—Cao retired as a Navy captain in 2021. The process occurs amid ongoing military operations related to the Iran conflict, with priorities including shipbuilding and readiness. Senate action could depend on scheduling around the November midterms and the need for bipartisan support on the waiver and confirmation.