# US Navy leadership nominations

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-navy-leadership-nominations
> Updated: 2026-09-14T21:40:15.000Z. Sources: 20. Developments: 2.

President Donald Trump has moved to formalize leadership within the Department of the Navy by nominating Hung Cao to serve as the permanent Secretary of the Navy. Cao, a retired Navy captain and combat veteran who has served in an acting capacity since April, was described by Trump as a “true WARRIOR.”

Cao’s stated priorities include strengthening maritime capabilities and expanding U.S. shipbuilding. Because Cao retired from naval service in 2021, his official appointment will require both House and Senate waivers to account for the fact that he falls short of the required seven-year retirement period. 

In addition to Cao, the administration has submitted nominations for William Toti as Under Secretary of the Navy and retired Vice Adm. Richard Breckenridge as an Assistant Secretary of the Navy.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-14: Trump sends Navy and Saudi Arabia ambassador nominations to Senate

President Trump has sent nominations to the Senate for Hung Cao as Secretary of the Navy and Wesley Hunt as U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, alongside other naval leadership candidates.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/trump-sends-navy-and-saudi-arabia-ambassador-nominations-to-senate

### 2026-09-01: Hung Cao nominated by Trump for permanent Navy Secretary

President Trump has nominated acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao to the permanent role, citing his combat experience and urging rapid Senate confirmation.

20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hung-cao-nominated-by-donald-trump-for-navy-secretary

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Cite as: US Navy leadership nominations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-navy-leadership-nominations