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Hung Cao

Hung Cao is an American politician and former United States Navy officer.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Hung Cao is an American politician and former United States Navy officer. He served as the 35th United States under secretary of the Navy beginning in 2025 and became acting secretary of the Navy in April 2026. He was the Republican nominee for Virginia’s 10th congressional district in 2022 and for the U.S. Senate in 2024.

Early life and education

Hung Cao was born in Saigon, South Vietnam, in 1971 and arrived in the United States as a refugee with his family in 1975. He later attended the United States Naval Academy and the Naval Postgraduate School, where he earned a master’s degree.

Military career

Cao served in the U.S. Navy from 1989 to 2021. Biographical accounts indicate he worked in special operations and held assignments involving Navy budgeting and other staff roles. He retired with the rank of captain.

Political career

After retiring from the Navy, Cao entered politics as a Republican in Virginia. He was the party’s nominee for Virginia’s 10th congressional district in 2022 and for the U.S. Senate in 2024.

Department of the Navy leadership

President Donald Trump nominated Cao as under secretary of the Navy in 2025, and he was confirmed by the Senate later that year. He assumed the role of acting secretary of the Navy on April 22, 2026.

Key facts

  • Cao was born in Saigon in 1971 and came to the United States as a child refugee with his family.
  • He served in the U.S. Navy from 1989 to 2021 and later retired as a captain.
  • He graduated from the United States Naval Academy and later earned a master’s degree from the Naval Postgraduate School.
  • He was confirmed as under secretary of the Navy in October 2025 and became acting secretary in April 2026.
  • Cao was the Republican nominee for Virginia’s 10th congressional district in 2022 and for the U.S. Senate in 2024.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Hung Cao?
Hung Cao is an American politician and former Navy officer who has served as acting secretary of the Navy since April 2026.
What political party does Hung Cao belong to?
He is a member of the Republican Party.
Where was Hung Cao born?
He was born in Saigon, South Vietnam, in 1971.
What offices did Hung Cao run for before joining Navy leadership?
He was the Republican nominee for Virginia’s 10th congressional district in 2022 and for the U.S. Senate in 2024.
What did Hung Cao do before politics?
He served in the United States Navy from 1989 to 2021 and retired as a captain.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hung_Cao
    Supports: Basic biography, birth year, military service, political candidacies, and Navy leadership roles.
  2. U.S. Navy — https://www.navy.mil/Leadership/Flag-Officer-Biographies/BioDisplay/Article/4156165/acting-secretary-of-the-navy-hung-cao/
    Supports: Official confirmation that Hung Cao assumed responsibility as Acting Secretary of the Navy on April 22, 2026.
  3. Stars and Stripes — https://www.stripes.com/branches/navy/2025-10-01/senate-confirms-hung-cao-navy-undersecretary-19289861.html
    Supports: Confirmation as under secretary of the Navy, Navy service background, and prior Virginia campaigns.
  4. Simon & Schuster — https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Hung-Cao/231554760
    Supports: Refugee background, education, Navy service, family details, and Virginia residence.
  5. The Washington Times — https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/apr/23/hung-cao-new-acting-navy-secretary/
    Supports: Birthplace, refugee background, Navy entry, and later political career.