"Phelan had an increasingly rocky relationship with defense secretary Pete Hegseth and other senior staff, who openly appeared to prefer Cao for the role."
"The sudden departure comes just a day after Phelan addressed a large crowd of sailors and industry professionals at the navy's annual conference in Washington DC."
"Phelan is leaving just as the US navy has imposed a blockade of Iranian ports and is targeting ships linked to Tehran around the world during a tenuous ceasefire in the Iran war."
John Phelan has been removed from his position as secretary of the navy, effective immediately. Hung Cao will serve as the acting secretary. Phelan's relationship with defense secretary Pete Hegseth deteriorated, with Hegseth blaming him for not confronting Senator Mark Kelly. Phelan also faced criticism from Hegseth's deputy regarding shipbuilding initiatives. His departure follows a series of firings of senior military leaders by Hegseth. Phelan's exit coincides with the US navy's blockade of Iranian ports during a ceasefire in the Iran war.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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