President-elect Donald Trump has nominated John Phelan, a big donor to his campaign, as the next Secretary of the Navy. But here’s the catch: Phelan has never served in the military or held a top civilian job in the Navy. This has sparked a mix of opinions. While some believe the Navy could benefit from a fresh perspective, others are worried that his lack of experience might make it harder to tackle the tough challenges ahead.
Who is John Phelan?
Phelan is the founder of Rugger Management LLC, a private investment firm. His military experience? Limited to an advisory role with a non-profit organization called Spirit of America, which supports defense efforts for Ukraine and Taiwan. While not every Navy secretary has a military background, Phelan would be the first in nearly two decades to step into the role without it.
Why is this Important Now?
The Navy is at a critical point. Its fleet is shrinking while China’s naval forces are growing. The U.S. Navy is stretched thin, handling missions in Europe, the Middle East, and the Pacific. Trump has promised to expand the fleet to 350 ships—an ambitious goal given the financial and logistical hurdles.
Experts say the Navy needs someone who can navigate the Pentagon’s complex bureaucracy and get Congress on board. Without experience, Phelan might struggle to push through changes quickly—something the Navy can’t afford to delay.
Challenges Ahead
If Phelan is confirmed, he’ll face some big challenges:
- Budget Woes: The Navy needs more money for shipbuilding, but Congress controls the purse strings, and the process can be slow and unpredictable.
- Global Commitments: From Europe to the Pacific, the Navy is constantly on the move, making it hard to maintain ships and give sailors a predictable schedule.
- China and Taiwan: With rising tensions over Taiwan, ensuring the Navy is ready for potential conflict is a top priority.
What the Experts Say
Some defense experts are skeptical. Stacie Pettyjohn from the Center for a New American Security said leading a massive organization like the Navy is tough without Pentagon experience. And Mark Cancian from the Center for Strategic and International Studies noted that even if defense spending increases, the Navy might only get a small slice for new ships.
Trump’s choice reflects his preference for outsiders who challenge the status quo, like Elon Musk, whom he tapped for a government efficiency role. But as Cancian pointed out, even disruptors have to work with Congress, where rules and regulations often slow down change.
The Stakes
Brad Bowman, a senior defense expert, summed it up: The next few years are crucial for the Navy. Decisions made now could shape the U.S. military’s ability to handle conflicts, especially in hotspots like the Taiwan Strait.
While Phelan’s close ties to Trump might give him some influence, experts warn it will take time for him to learn how to navigate the Navy’s culture and processes. Whether he can rise to the challenge remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Navy’s future depends on it.