Hung Cao, Who Advocated Filling Military With ‘Alpha Males and Alpha Females,’ Named Acting Navy Secretary

You see a story that cuts across decades and continents. A man who arrived in the United States as a Vietnamese refugee now leads the Department of the Navy on an acting basis. His appointment on April 22, 2026, followed the sudden departure of John Phelan. Cao had been serving as under secretary. The move puts a longtime Navy veteran with combat experience and strong views on readiness in charge during a period of heavy focus on shipbuilding and force posture.

His path reflects persistence through displacement and service. Born in Saigon in 1971, Cao left Vietnam in 1975 with his family. They spent time in West Africa before settling in Virginia. He graduated from the inaugural class of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, enlisted in the Navy in 1989, and later graduated from the Naval Academy in 1996 with a degree in ocean engineering.

From refugee to special operations officer

Cao built a career as an explosive ordnance disposal and diving specialist. He deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Somalia. One notable assignment involved leading the Navy team that recovered the bodies after the 1999 plane crash involving John F. Kennedy Jr. off Martha’s Vineyard. He also earned a master’s degree in applied physics from the Naval Postgraduate School and completed fellowships at MIT and Harvard.

These experiences shaped his perspective on what military service demands. After more than thirty years on active duty, he retired as a captain in 2021. Pentagon roles followed, including work on the Navy’s budget programming. Colleagues noted his grasp of acquisition and resource issues even before his political appointments.

The controversial comments that drew attention

During his 2024 Senate campaign in Virginia, Cao spoke plainly about military recruiting. In a debate, he criticized the use of a drag queen as a Navy digital ambassador and argued for recruits he described as “alpha males and alpha females” willing to endure extreme hardship. The phrasing—“rip out their own guts, eat ’em and ask for seconds”—sparked strong reactions from critics who saw it as dismissive of diversity efforts.

Supporters viewed the remarks as a direct call for warrior-focused standards over social initiatives. Cao has long opposed certain DEI programs in the military, tying them to recruiting shortfalls. His language reflected broader frustrations with what he saw as distractions from combat effectiveness.

Political runs in Virginia

You probably remember Cao’s bids for office in a state that leans blue at the federal level. In 2022 he competed for Virginia’s 10th Congressional District and won the Republican primary before losing the general. Two years later he challenged Senator Tim Kaine and again fell short, though he performed respectably in a tough environment.

Those campaigns highlighted his background as a veteran and immigrant. He spoke often about fleeing communism and the need for strong national defense. Trump endorsed him, and Cao aligned closely with the former president’s positions on border security, guns, and reducing government overreach. The runs raised his profile even without victories.

Rise in the Trump administration

President Trump nominated Cao as under secretary of the Navy in early 2025. The Senate confirmed him, and he was sworn in that October. Insiders described him as a quick study on shipbuilding and budget matters. When Phelan left abruptly in April 2026, Cao moved up to acting secretary within hours.

In early statements, he emphasized taking care of sailors and Marines while pushing shipbuilding priorities. The Navy faces pressure to expand its fleet amid competition with China and other challenges. His Pentagon experience gives him familiarity with the internal mechanics of those efforts.

Views on readiness and culture

Cao has consistently argued that the military should prioritize lethal capability above other considerations. He believes excessive focus on social issues harms recruiting and retention. His comments on Monterey, California—calling it a “dark place” with “witchcraft”—reflected personal discomfort with certain cultural trends during his time at the Naval Postgraduate School.

These positions resonate with those who want a return to traditional warrior ethos. Detractors worry they signal intolerance or risk alienating qualified Americans. As acting secretary, Cao now operates in a role that demands both operational focus and management of a large civilian-military workforce.

What comes next for the Navy under his watch

The immediate tasks involve maintaining stability after leadership turnover. Shipbuilding timelines, maintenance backlogs, and personnel shortages remain central concerns. Cao has vowed to advance construction goals and support those in uniform. His combat record and technical background position him to engage directly with fleet issues.

Observers will watch how he balances his past rhetoric with the practical demands of leading the service. The Navy operates globally, from the Strait of Hormuz to the Indo-Pacific. Success will hinge on results in acquisition, readiness, and retention rather than headlines. Cao’s story—from refugee to acting secretary—continues to unfold in real time.