The Trump administration removed U.S. Navy Secretary John Phelan from his post on Wednesday, citing internal disagreements rather than developments related to the ongoing naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Pentagon confirmed Phelan’s dismissal, marking the first departure of a military service secretary during the current administration of Donald Trump. His exit comes during heightened tensions in the region, including recent seizures of commercial vessels by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Officials familiar with the situation said Phelan’s removal stemmed from longstanding internal conflicts, including strained relationships with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg, and his deputy, Hung Cao.

Sources indicated that disagreements over shipbuilding reforms played a significant role. Some within the Pentagon believed Phelan was moving too slowly on key initiatives prioritized by the administration, while others pointed to efforts by Feinberg to centralize control over major naval acquisition programs.

Reports also suggest that Phelan’s office was facing an internal ethics review, though details remain unclear.

Hung Cao, a former Navy officer and political candidate, has been appointed acting Navy secretary. He is seen as more closely aligned with the Pentagon’s current leadership approach.

Phelan’s departure follows a series of high-level changes across the administration, including the recent exits of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer.

The move underscores ongoing turbulence within senior defense leadership as the administration navigates both internal restructuring and international security challenges.