
Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan has stepped down "effective immediately," the Pentagon confirmed Wednesday, marking the latest in a wave of leadership changes that has seen more than a dozen senior military and defense officials removed or replaced in recent months as the United States confronts Iran.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in a brief statement that Phelan "is departing the administration," adding that Navy Under Secretary Hung Cao will serve as acting secretary. No reason for the departure was provided.