Sean J. Stackley takes over as SECNAV until final Trump decision

Assistant secretary of the U.S. Navy Sean J. Stackley assumed the responsibilities of acting secretary of the Navy Jan. 20 at noon until the incoming Trump administration nominates, and Congress confirms, a replacement for Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus.

The U.S. Navy said Thomas W. Hicks, deputy undersecretary of the Navy (Management), will perform the duties of under secretary of the Navy until a replacement for the Janine Davidson is nominated and confirmed.

Allison F. Stiller will perform the duties of assistant secretary of the Navy (Research, Development and Acquisition). She previously served as principal civilian deputy assistant secretary of the Navy (Research, Development and Acquisition).

A nominee for the secretary of the navy is yet to be announced by the new administration. Many expected the former Republican congressman Randy Forbes, who was seen in the Trump Tower on multiple occasions to be selected.

More recent media reports have reported Trump’s transition officials pointing to Philip Bilden as the likely choice for the role. Bilden is a private equity investment firm executive with no military or government experience.