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Hung Cao’s 30 Years in the Navy
Hung Cao’s Navy career spanned over 30 years, from 1989 to 2021. He entered the U.S. Navy as a Seaman Recruit in 1989 and was commissioned as a Special Operations Officer from the United States Naval Academy in 1996 United States Navy+1.

Cao’s service included multiple high-profile roles:

Navy Diver leading underwater missions worldwide.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Officer conducting counter-improvised threat missions for Special Warfare and Special Forces, with deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Somalia United States Navy.

Special Operations Officer leading sensitive activities, exploitation, counter-messaging, and counter-drone operations for Geographic Combatant Commanders and Special Operations Command United States Navy.

He retired in October 2021 as a Captain, having served in both combat and support capacities, and was recognized as a decorated combat veteran with expertise in special operations, EOD, diving, and surface warfare United States Navy+1.

After retiring, Cao transitioned into the civilian sector, working as Vice President and Client Executive at CACI International, where he oversaw electronic warfare, counter-drone technology, and shipyard infrastructure optimization for the Department of the Navy United States Navy.

In 2025, he was confirmed as Under Secretary of the Navy, serving as the Department’s Chief Operating and Management Officer, overseeing nearly one million personnel and a budget exceeding $250 billion United States Navy+1.

So while his active-duty service was longer than 22 years, his Navy career was indeed extensive, marked by combat deployments, specialized technical expertise, and leadership in critical operational areas.