US Navy chief leaving post 'effective immediately', Pentagon says

US Navy Secretary John Phelan is leaving the Trump administration, the Pentagon announced on Wednesday. His departure will be "effective immediately", Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in a social media post. Navy Undersecretary Hung Cao will serve on an acting basis in the role, which is largely administrative. Phelan is the latest high-ranking...

US Navy Secretary John Phelan is leaving the Trump administration, the Pentagon announced on Wednesday.

His departure will be "effective immediately", Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in a social media post. Navy Undersecretary Hung Cao will serve on an acting basis in the role, which is largely administrative.

Phelan is the latest high-ranking military leader to leave the administration in recent months. His departure comes amid the US-Israel war with Iran and the continued US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

The Navy has not provided a reason. His exit came after tension within the American leadership over issues around shipbuilding, according to unconfirmed reports in US media.