From Refugee to Rear Admiral: Hung Cao Takes the Helm as Under Secretary of the Navy

Hung Cao, a retired Navy captain and former Virginia Senate candidate, has been appointed by President Donald Trump as the Under Secretary of the Navy. In his announcement, President Trump praised Cao as "the embodiment of the American Dream," highlighting his journey from a Vietnamese refugee to a distinguished military officer.
NEW YORK POST

Cao's military career spanned 25 years, during which he served as a Special Operations Officer with deployments in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Somalia. He also held positions at the Pentagon, including roles with the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI.
POLITICO

Beyond his military service, Cao has been an outspoken advocate for reforming military recruitment standards. He has criticized diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the armed forces, arguing that the military should focus on recruiting "alpha males and alpha females" who are prepared for combat. He stated, "When you're using a drag queen to recruit for the Navy, that's not the people we want."
POLITICO

Cao's nomination to the position of Under Secretary of the Navy requires Senate confirmation. His appointment reflects President Trump's commitment to appointing individuals with military experience and a focus on traditional military values.