The Pentagon has confirmed the removal of US Navy Secretary John Phelan in a major leadership shake-up. The decision has drawn attention due to its timing and internal tensions.
Reports suggest that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth played a key role in the decision. The move has raised questions about internal power shifts within the Pentagon.
Sources say the situation intensified after several strategic disagreements. One major issue involved direct communication channels used outside the official chain. This included actions described as bypassing Hegseth during high-level discussions.
Officials claim John Phelan had maintained close contact with former President Donald Trump. These interactions reportedly included discussions on naval strategy and shipbuilding priorities.
At one point, Phelan allegedly presented a modern battleship proposal directly to Trump. This was reportedly done bypassing Hegseth, which increased tensions within the defense leadership.
The Pentagon is currently undergoing major structural changes. A new submarine acquisition role has been created under Deputy Secretary Stephen Feinberg. This shift is seen as part of broader restructuring efforts.
The timing of the decision has also raised concern. It comes during a major naval conference and ongoing ship deployments. These operations include sensitive missions near Iranian waters.
The US Navy is currently managing large-scale activities involving multiple warships. Officials say operational readiness remains unchanged despite leadership changes.
This is not the first leadership change under Hegseth’s oversight. Several senior military officials have been replaced in recent months. Analysts say internal disagreements have been increasing.
Hung Cao, a former Navy officer, has been appointed as acting Navy Secretary. He previously ran for the US Senate in Virginia.
Reports indicate that tensions had been building for months before the final decision. Communication gaps and authority disputes were key issues. The pattern of bypassing Hegseth is believed to have worsened internal friction.
The Pentagon has not released detailed reasons for the removal. However, officials describe it as part of ongoing restructuring.
The situation continues to attract attention due to its timing and sensitivity. Experts say leadership stability is critical during active military deployments.
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