Navy secretary ousted as $240M drone lost amid Iran tensions

Navy secretary ousted as $240M drone lost amid Iran tensions Navy Secretary John Phelan was removed from his post effective immediately, with Undersecretary Hung Cao named acting leader. The shake-up coincided with the Navy confirming the loss of an MQ-4C Triton surveillance drone in the Persian Gulf, a blow to intelligence operations amid heightened tensions with Iran. The developments come as the service faces major program reviews, mine-clearing missions, and strategic procurement decisions.