Veteran Action Urges Senators to Confirm Navy Acting Secretary Hung Cao Veteran Action released a political ad urging voters to push senators to confirm Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao, citing his 25-year Special Operations background and his experience in combat tours, and framing his appointment as vital for U.S. naval readiness in the face of China's expanding fleet. The group presents Cao's personal story and military record to argue for his official confirmation. Veteran Action, a lobbying group that positions itself as a defender of American veterans and national security interests, recently launched a political advertisement calling on voters to persuade their senators to confirm Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao as the official Secretary of the Navy. The ad, which has been circulating on the internet and in print media, outlines Cao's military background and argues that his experience is essential for maintaining U.S. naval supremacy in a world where China is expanding its fleet. The advertisement features a profile of Cao, highlighting his 25‑year career in Navy Special Operations. It describes him as a Bomb Disposal Officer, a qualified diver, and a parachutist who has completed combat tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Somalia.Hung Cao Proven Warfighter ExperienceThe ad notes that as Acting Secretary, Cao currently oversees the fleet and says that the U.S. must push ahead to keep it ahead of rivals. Mark Lucas, the founder of Veteran Action, is quoted in the message: "Hung Cao is a proven warfighter who knows what it takes to win. China is expanding its navy at a rapid pace. Cao has the combat experience and leadership our Navy needs to stay ahead of that threat.Congress should pass his waiver and confirm him without delay." A brief biography of Cao is also included. Born in Vietnam, Cao's family escaped Saigon as the North Vietnamese army approached in 1975 and settled in the United States. Cao finished high school in West Africa before returning to the U.S. to graduate from the inaugural class of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology.Hung Cao Navy Career Special OperationsHe entered the Navy as a Seaman Recruit in 1989, was commissioned in 1996 from the United States Naval Academy, and later served as a Special Operations Officer. During his career he led underwater missions, explosive ordnance disposal, and counter‑improvised‑device teams for Special Warfare and Special Forces. In his final tour he supported geographic combatant commanders in sensitive, counter‑drone, and exploitation operations. He retired in October 2021 with the rank of Captain.The ad underscores the longer-term strategic narrative that the group promotes: the need for a robust, battle‑tested leader at the helm of the Navy to counter China's naval buildup. By putting Cao's personal story alongside his service record, Veteran Action frames him as a symbol of immigrant success, resilience, and commitment to the United States. The group further points out that Cao's legacy includes training the world's largest military diving center, underscoring his operational expertise.Veteran Action Campaign Pressuring SenatorsThe campaign's message is designed to mobilize voters and create pressure on senators who have yet to confirm Cao officially. The group calls for an urgent political action that they believe will benefit the country's national defense posture. While the ad does not delve into specific policy positions or his potential confirmation timeline, it focuses on Cao's qualifications and the perceived necessity of his continued leadership in the context of shifting regional security dynamics.The ad has generated responses from both veterans' advocates and critics of Veteran Action's political lobbying methods. Those supporting the ad emphasize the value of a leader with extensive field experience, while opponents question whether the group's political focus aligns with broader bipartisan consensus.Hung Cao Narrative Steers Congressional DecisionIn the end, the piece presents a persuasive narrative that blends personal history, professional achievements, and a call to political action, seeking to steer Congressional decision‑making in favor of a veteran leader whose experience is deemed essential for the future of the United States Navy.