White House says Trump plans to nominate Braithwaite as new SECNAV

The White House said today President Trump plans to nominate U.S. Ambassador to Norway Ken Braithwaite to serve as the new Navy secretary.

"Ambassador Braithwaite is a distinguished 27-year veteran of the United States Navy and United States Navy Reserve," the White House press release reads.

"Ambassador Braithwaite completed his military service in 2011 as the Navy's Vice Chief of Information. Additionally, he served as Commanding Officer, Joint Public Affairs Expeditionary Support Element (Reserve), Joint Forces Command. In that role, he deployed to Pakistan as the overall Director of Strategic Communications supporting the work of the American Embassy," it continues.

Trump first tweeted his plans to tap Braithwaite for the service's top civilian position last November, the same day the president announced Navy Secretary Richard Spencer had been "terminated" due to his management of Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher's case.

Acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly, previously the under secretary, has been serving in the position since Spencer's ouster.

A spokesman for Defense Secretary Mark Esper in November said Esper suggested Trump choose Braithwaite for the position.