Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleNavy Secretary John Phelan has departed the administration "effective immediately," with Navy Undersecretary Hung Cao appointed as the acting secretary. Sources familiar with the situation indicate Phelan was fired due to a growing rift with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, stemming from disagreements over authority and orders. Phelan's departure is the second high-level personnel change at the Pentagon in recent weeks, following the earlier resignation of Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George. These personnel changes occur amidst an ongoing Iran war, which began with joint U.S. and Israeli strikes and has led to a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Commentators have highlighted the unusual timing of Phelan's exit, given the critical naval standoff and the broader conflict in the Middle East. In fullNavy Secretary reportedly ‘ousted’ in latest top military departure from Trump administration as US wages war in IranThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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Secretary of the Navy John Phelan is leaving the Trump administration "effective immediately," a spokesman for the Department of Defense said.

John Phelan did not give reasons for his resignation