US President-elect Donald Trump has chosen John Phelan, a businessman and investor with no military experience, as the next Secretary of the Navy.
If confirmed, Phelan would be the first person to lead the Navy in 15 years without serving in any branch of the armed forces.
He told NBC News on Wednesday that he was “very honored” to be selected by Trump and confirmed that he did not serve, but declined to comment further.
In a statement Tuesday night, Trump highlighted Phelan’s “track record of success” and said Phelan has been “excellent at everything,” including founding and leading Rugger Management LLC, a private investment firm based in Palm Beach, Florida.
He also said the Harvard Business School graduate’s “intelligence and leadership are unmatched.”
“John will be a tremendous force for the members of our Navy and a steadfast leader in advancing my America First vision,” Trump said. “He will put the work of the United States Navy above all else.”
As the 79th Secretary of the Navy, Phelan would oversee more than 900,000 people and an annual budget of more than $210 billion.
Since 2009, the last eight recipients of the title have served in either the Navy, Marines, Army or Coast Guard. A biography of the Naval History and Heritage Command.
Of the 26 nominees for Secretary of the Navy over the past 70 years, 20 have been veterans. This was reported by “Military Times”..
Carlos Del Toro, who will replace Phelan, served in the Navy for more than 20 years and served several tours at sea.
On November 12 Trump announced that he will nominate Pete Hegsetta combat veteran and former Fox News anchor, will be secretary of defense. Hegseth was a captain in the Army National Guard and served overseas in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as Guantanamo, Cuba.