Navy secretary stepping down 13 months into job

The Hill
by Filip Timotija
April 22, 2026
2 min read

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Navy Secretary John Phelan is stepping down after 13 months in the position, the Pentagon announced.

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Navy Secretary John Phelan is stepping down from his position after serving 13 months, the Pentagon announced on Wednesday. Phelan's departure comes just over a year into his tenure, following his appointment to lead the Navy. Sean Parnell, the Pentagon's chief, expressed gratitude for Secretary Phelan's service to the Department and the United States Navy. This marks a significant change in leadership for the Navy within the Trump administration.

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