Trump Nominates Next U.S. Navy Secretary

Reference News Network reported on September 3 According to the Associated Press on September 1, U.S. President Trump stated on the 1st that he would nominate Acting Navy Secretary Kenneth Braithwaite to officially serve as the Secretary of the Navy. As Trump nominates this veteran naval officer, there are concerns that some Navy personnel are overburdened during the Iran conflict.

Since John F. Kelly's sudden departure at the end of April without any explanation, Braithwaite has been serving as Acting Secretary of the Navy. Unlike Kelly, who had not served in the military or held civilian leadership roles in the military, Braithwaite has served in the Navy for 25 years, having been a special operations officer and fought alongside Navy SEALs and special forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Trump wrote on social media, “I am pleased to nominate a true warrior.” He also urged the Senate to “confirm this warrior’s appointment as soon as possible.”

Braithwaite stated on social media that it is his “lifetime honor” to lead the Navy and Marine Corps.

When Braithwaite was nominated, some congressional Democrats believed that Trump was placing excessive pressure on the Navy. The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier has been deployed for nine months to support operations in Iran, with its continuous at-sea duty time setting a historical record.

Before serving as Acting Secretary, Braithwaite was the Deputy Secretary of the Navy.

This nomination comes at a time when the U.S. military leadership is experiencing personnel upheaval. The most recent case is Army Secretary Daniel R. H. Driscoll, who submitted his resignation this week. There have been numerous reports of tension between him and Defense Secretary Mark Esper. (Translated by Yang Xuelei)