Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committee to discuss the Department of the Navy’s priorities for FY26 and the challenges facing the Navy and Marine Corps team.

“My top priority as Secretary is readiness,” said Secretary Phelan. “Before a dollar is spent on any new program, platform or policy I always ask the following question: What is the impact to our readiness? And, does it increase or add to it? If the answer is no, we will not spend that dollar."

Secretary Phelan outlined his three key priorities: building more ships in America, strengthening our warfighter culture, and improving the health, welfare, housing and training of Sailors and Marines. Since his confirmation, he has visited multiple domestic and overseas shipyards and military installations to assess the current state of the force and industry.

Noting the increasing challenges posed by global adversaries, Secretary Phelan stated, “We are still the dominant naval power, but our adversaries are closing the gap at an accelerating rate. We need to make important cultural and strategic changes in order to maintain our competitive advantage.” He further stressed the critical need to revitalize the U.S. maritime industrial base, calling it “a national security imperative.”

Secretary Phelan detailed his engagement with shipyard leaders and shipbuilders and urged a collaborative effort between Congress, industry, and the Department to rebuild the capacity and expertise required for naval superiority.

Secretary Phelan reaffirmed his commitment to Sailors and Marines as the Department’s greatest asset, highlighting ongoing efforts to invest in recruitment, training, and quality of service initiatives to support service members and their families.