Navy Secretary John C. Phelan has appointed Hung Cao as the new Under Secretary of the Navy to spearhead significant reforms within the Navy and Marine Corps. Cao, officially sworn in on October 3, has been tasked with modernizing the service’s business and IT systems amidst increased operational demands.
In a memo shared with Fox News Digital, Phelan outlined the objectives of these reforms. The aim is clear: to “sharpen readiness, fix faster, and put sailors, Marines, and their families first,” while seeking to restore the Navy and Marine Corps’ traditional warrior ethos. Phelan’s commitment resonates with a focus on excellence and efficacy, reflective of a military wary of bureaucratic stagnation.
Cao, a former U.S. Navy captain with a notable political career, including a Republican Senate bid in Virginia, steps into his new role with an ambitious blueprint. He is expected to implement changes that cut through bureaucratic red tape. “These aren’t talking points; they’re timelines,” he stated, emphasizing a swift approach to restoring standards. His remarks underscore a strong urgency directed at fostering accountability and efficiency across the Navy’s operations.
Key to this overhaul are new inspection protocols that promise 60-day timelines for repairs, particularly in military family housing. This initiative addresses long-standing grievances from service members about the quality of their living conditions. Rethinking base dining options is also in the pipeline, with a shift to healthier, locally sourced menus. These changes aim not only to boost morale but also to align with the combat readiness standards expected of service members.
Cao’s plan extends beyond everyday comforts. It seeks to replace outdated technology and business systems with contemporary, mobile-ready platforms. This modernization is designed to enhance operational flow and provide sailors with better tools and resources—signaling a departure from practices that have hindered performance in recent years.
Phelan’s enthusiasm for these changes is evident. He noted the importance of operational excellence, suggesting that when the foundational elements function seamlessly, “ships sail more, aircraft fly farther, and the world’s greatest maritime force only gets stronger.” This approach reflects a commitment to unwavering military strength, as well as an understanding of how essential readiness is in today’s global landscape.
Cao has also announced reforms to recruiting practices, aiming to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) waivers that could compromise military effectiveness. This pivot toward merit-based recruitment reflects a drive for a highly capable, mission-focused service. In conjunction with this improvement, reserve forces will be more closely integrated with active-duty personnel, ensuring a unified front.
Infrastructure upgrades are not absent from Cao’s agenda, specifically on Guam, which plays a critical role in the U.S.’s strategic posture in the Indo-Pacific region. Enhancements to runways and housing capacity will fortify Guam’s position as a pivotal power-projection hub.
Rep. Jack Whitfield, R-Texas, expressed Congressional support for the Navy’s renewed focus on “lethality and accountability,” signaling a hopeful bipartisan commitment to military enhancement. A Democratic staffer on the Senate Armed Services Committee described the reforms as “an overdue reset,” indicating that oversight will be a priority in monitoring the impact of these changes.
With his new responsibilities, Cao intends to harmonize family welfare with combat readiness through a singular command structure. This innovation, framing one quarterback and one playbook, could simplify management and improve outcomes across all levels of service.
The vision laid out by Phelan and Cao represents a crucial step toward revitalizing the United States Navy and Marine Corps during a time in which global threats continue to evolve. As the defense landscape shifts, Phelan’s assertion encapsulates the ethos driving these reforms: “When the basics work the first time,” he said, “the world’s greatest maritime force only gets stronger.”
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