New era for US Navy: John Phelan takes oath as 79th SECNAV

John Phelan was sworn in as the 79th Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) at the National Archives, on March 25, 2025.

“It is an honor to be sworn in as the 79th Secretary of the Navy on the hallowed ground of our National Archives in the presence of America’s founding documents,” said Phelan.

“I am deeply grateful to President Trump and the Senate for the opportunity to lead the Department of the Navy as we revitalize shipbuilding, sharpen our warfighting culture and recruit America’s finest Sailors and Marines.”

Prior to his appointment, Secretary Phelan was the Founder and Chairman of Rugger Management, a private investment firm based in Palm Beach, Florida. He holds an MBA from Harvard Business School.

The SECNAV serves the Department of Defense as the senior navy leader. He is responsible for the well-being, readiness, and development of nearly one million Department of the Navy (DON) sailors, marines, reservists, and civilian personnel and manages an annual budget exceeding $265 billion.  

The DON consists of two uniformed services: the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps. 

SECNAV has the authority under Title 10 of the United States Code to conduct all DON affairs, including recruiting, organizing, supplying, equipping, training, mobilizing, and demobilizing. 

The Secretary also oversees the construction, outfitting, and repair of naval ships, equipment, and facilities.