John Cartwright Phelan (born 1964) is an American businessman currently serving as the 79th United States secretary of the Navy under President Donald Trump.
John Cartwright Phelan (born 1964) is an American businessman currently serving as the 79th United States secretary of the Navy under President Donald Trump.
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The secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) is a statutory officer (10 U.S.C. § 8013) and the head (chief executive officer) of the Department of the Navy, a military department within the United States Department of Defense. On March 25, 2025, John Phelan was confirmed as Secretary of the Navy.
By law, the secretary of the Navy must be a civilian at least seven years removed from active military service (10 U.S.C. § 8013). The secretary is appointed by the president and requires confirmation by the Senate.