Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has made the significant decision to terminate Jon Harrison from his role as the Navy’s chief of staff, marking a notable shift within the Department of War. This decision was initially reported by two defense officials and a former official speaking to Politico, and it was later confirmed by the Pentagon, which stated, “He will no longer serve as Chief of Staff to the Secretary of the Navy” and expressed gratitude for his service.
Harrison’s dismissal adds to a wave of changes that Hegseth has initiated as part of his extensive restructuring of the Pentagon’s bureaucracy. Over the past months, his approach has targeted several high-ranking officials, particularly within the Navy. Key casualties include Admiral Lisa Franchetti, the Chief of Naval Operations; Vice Admiral Nancy Lacore, Chief of the Navy Reserve; and Rear Admiral Milton Sands, Commander of Naval Special Warfare Command. Additionally, General Charles Q. Brown Jr., who notably became the first Black chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was also let go during this restructuring phase.
Harrison, who served for approximately nine months, had been instrumental in implementing changes aimed at consolidating the Navy’s policy and budgeting offices and curtailing the influence of the Undersecretary of the Navy, who is second only to the Secretary. As the Pentagon undergoes this significant transformation, Navy Secretary John Phelan remains in his position and is expected to continue managing the ongoing changes.
The impending arrival of Hung Cao, a seasoned Navy officer confirmed by the Senate on Wednesday, will bring further shift in dynamics as he assumes the position of Undersecretary. Phelan and Harrison had been working to set up Cao for success, even going as far as to reassign aides and ensure strong alignment in future appointments with the secretary’s office. Notably, Cao, a Republican, previously campaigned for a Senate seat in Virginia, illustrating the intersection of military leadership and political involvement, as he was nominated by former President Donald Trump in February.
This ongoing reorganization reflects Hegseth’s commitment to reshape the defense establishment in alignment with his vision, potentially paving the way for more effective governance within the military structure. As these changes take place, there is a sense of optimism about the future direction of the Department of War and its leadership.