Senate confirms John Phelan as Navy secretary

The Senate has confirmed financier John Phelan to serve as the 79th Navy secretary in a 62-30 vote that drew support from some Democrats who joined with Republicans to advance President Trump's pick.

Phelan is a businessman who founded private investment firm Rugger Management LLC. Though Phelan has no prior Navy or Pentagon experience, Trump highlighted his business credentials when announcing the nomination in November.

During a relatively smooth confirmation hearing in February, Phelan emphasized solving shipbuilding and maintenance challenges as a top priority and told lawmakers he would personally review all existing Navy contracts.

The Monday vote makes Phelan the second of Trump’s service chief picks to be confirmed, following Army Secretary Dan Driscoll.

Meanwhile, the Navy is still operating without a chief of naval operations. Vice CNO Adm. Jim Kilby has been performing the duties of the role after Adm. Lisa Franchetti was fired without explanation last month.