The job changed? How could the job of the Secretary of the Navy possibly change in 15 months? The job is to plan for and execute wars. What was it in January 2025? Organizing dinner parties?
Just think. Were we in a military operation with Iran 15 months ago? Was one in the offing? The geopolitical situation is quite different than a year ago and requires a different skill set.
It’s not about number of months, it’s about appreciating the current task and selecting the best person for the job at this point.
Secretary of the Navy’s job is not to plan wars, it is budgeting, ship building and recruiting. It has been a civilian role by law; it is one of the DoD roles that must be at least seven years removed from active military service.
War planning/fighting is more Chief of Naval Operations and Combatant Commanders. Combatant Commanders report directly to Secretary of Defense to execute actual war strategies.