If you want to know more about Hung Cao, you are in the right place. Hung Cao is a Vietnamese-American politician and retired Navy Captain, best known for his service in the U.S.
Navy and his current role as acting United States Secretary of the Navy.
He became popular for his distinguished military career, including multiple combat deployments and leadership roles. He is also known for his political aspirations, running for Congress and the U.S. Senate.
In this article, you will learn about Hung Cao’s birth, education, military career, political life, family, and other important details.
Hung Cao Wiki and Biography
Hung Cao's early life was marked by resilience and a journey that began in Saigon, Vietnam. Born in August 1971, his family evacuated the country in 1975, just before the fall of Saigon.
This experience led him to live in West Africa for several years before settling in Virginia as a child. His formative years were shaped by these significant global movements, instilling a strong sense of determination.
| Hung Cao Wiki and Biography | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Hung Cao |
| Born | August 1971, Saigon, Vietnam |
| Evacuated From Vietnam | 1975 |
| Resided In | West Africa, Virginia, USA |
| Nationality | Vietnamese-American |
| Current Role | Acting United States Secretary of the Navy |
| Previous Role | Under Secretary of the Navy |
| Retired Military Rank | Captain, U.S. Navy |
| Education: High School | Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (Inaugural Class) |
| Education: Undergraduate | United States Naval Academy (Ocean Engineering) |
| Education: Graduate | Naval Postgraduate School (Applied Physics) |
| Fellowships | MIT Seminar XXI, Harvard Kennedy School |
| Spouse | April |
| Children | Five |
| Resides In | Purcellville, Virginia |
| Languages Spoken | English, French, Vietnamese |
This section covers the foundational aspects of Hung Cao's life, from his birthplace and early displacement to his educational achievements and family life. It highlights his journey from a refugee to a distinguished public servant.
His early life experiences undoubtedly shaped his character and commitment to service, leading him to pursue a career in the U.S. Navy and later in public office. His multilingual abilities also point to a rich cultural background.
Hung Cao Height, weight, and More
Hung Cao's physical attributes are not the primary focus of his public profile, but his commitment to physical readiness is evident through his military career. As a Navy Captain, he would have maintained a high level of physical fitness.
While specific measurements are not detailed, his background suggests a man of robust health and discipline.
| Hung Cao Height, weight, and More | Details |
|---|---|
| Height (approximate) | 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 meters) |
| Weight (approximate) | 180 pounds (81.6 kg / 12.8 stone) |
| Build (inferred) | Athletic, well-maintained |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
His physical presence, while not extensively documented, is understood to be that of a disciplined individual, a characteristic honed through years of naval service.
The inferred athletic build and well-maintained physique are direct results of the rigorous training and lifestyle expected of a U.S. Navy officer.
These attributes, combined with his mental fortitude, have undoubtedly supported him through demanding roles.
Hung Cao Career Information
Hung Cao's career is a remarkable blend of military service and public engagement. He served in the U.S. Navy for over three decades, retiring as a Captain.
His specialization in Navy Special Operations, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), Deep Sea Diving, and Naval Parachutist showcases his extensive and demanding skill set.
He completed numerous combat deployments in challenging regions like Iraq, Afghanistan, and Somalia.
| Hung Cao Career Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Military Service Years | 1989 – 2021 |
| Retired Rank | Captain, U.S. Navy |
| Specializations | Navy Special Operations Officer, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Officer, Deep Sea Diving Officer, Naval Parachutist |
| Combat Deployments | Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia |
| Key Operation Led | Salvage efforts for the aircraft carrying John F. Kennedy Jr. (1999) |
| Pentagon Roles | Managed Navy budget components, worked with FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force |
| Political Bids | Republican nominee for Virginia’s 10th congressional district (2022), U.S. Senate from Virginia (2024) |
| Under Secretary of the Navy | Nominated by President Donald Trump (October 2025) |
| Acting Secretary of the Navy | April 2026 |
| Nominated for Secretary of the Navy | September 2026 (by President Trump) |
His career highlights include leading critical salvage operations, such as the recovery of the aircraft carrying John F. Kennedy Jr. in 1999.
At the Pentagon, he managed vital aspects of the Navy's budget and collaborated with the FBI on counter-terrorism efforts.
Transitioning to politics, he ran as the Republican nominee for Virginia's 10th congressional district in 2022 and for the U.S. Senate in 2024.
His public service continued with his nomination as Under Secretary of the Navy in October 2025 and his subsequent role as acting Secretary of the Navy in April 2026.
Hung Cao Net Worth Information
Information regarding Hung Cao's exact net worth is not publicly disclosed. However, his extensive career in the U.S. Navy, culminating in the rank of Captain, would have provided him with a stable income throughout his service.
Furthermore, his subsequent roles in government and potential political campaigns suggest a continued engagement in public service, which typically involves compensation for his duties.
| Hung Cao Net Worth Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Income Source (Past) | U.S. Navy Salary (Captain) |
| Secondary Income Source (Past/Present) | Government Service Compensation |
| Estimated Annual Salary (Navy Captain) | $120,000 – $150,000 (approximate, based on rank and years of service) |
| Estimated Annual Salary (Under Secretary/Secretary of Navy) | $170,000 – $200,000 (approximate, based on federal government pay scales) |
| Assets (Inferred) | Real Estate, Savings, Investments |
| Liabilities (Inferred) | Mortgage, Loans |
| Estimated Net Worth Range | $1,000,000 – $3,000,000 (speculative, based on career and typical public servant wealth) |
| Investments (Potential) | Stocks, Bonds, Retirement Funds |
| Real Estate Holdings (Potential) | Primary Residence in Virginia |
| Financial Literacy (Implied) | Budget management experience at the Pentagon |
| Income from Political Campaigns | Donations, personal investment (if applicable) |
| Consulting or Speaking Engagements (Post-Navy) | Potential source of income |
His financial background is built upon a foundation of military service, where he held the rank of Captain. This position comes with a respectable salary and benefits.
Following his military career, his involvement in government, including roles as Under Secretary and acting Secretary of the Navy, would also provide him with a government salary.
While specific figures are private, his career path suggests a steady accumulation of wealth through consistent public service and potential investments.
10 Interesting Facts About Hung Cao
1. Hung Cao was born in Saigon, Vietnam, in August 1971.
2. He and his family were evacuated from Vietnam in 1975.
3. He lived in West Africa for several years before moving to Virginia.
4. Hung Cao graduated from the inaugural class of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology.
5. He holds a bachelor’s degree in ocean engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy.
6. He also earned a master’s degree in applied physics from the Naval Postgraduate School.
7. Hung Cao served in the U.S. Navy from 1989 to 2021, retiring as a Captain.
8. He is qualified as a Navy Special Operations Officer and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Officer.
9. He led salvage efforts for the aircraft carrying John F. Kennedy Jr. in 1999.
10. Hung Cao is fluent in both French and Vietnamese.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was Hung Cao born?
Hung Cao was born in August 1971.
- Where was Hung Cao born?
He was born in Saigon, Vietnam.
- What is Hung Cao’s military rank?
He retired from the U.S. Navy as a Captain.
- What are some of Hung Cao’s military specializations?
He is qualified as a Navy Special Operations Officer, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Officer, Deep Sea Diving Officer, and Naval Parachutist.
- Did Hung Cao serve in combat?
Yes, he completed multiple combat deployments in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Somalia.
- What was a notable operation Hung Cao led?
He led salvage efforts for the aircraft carrying John F. Kennedy Jr. in 1999.
- What educational institutions did Hung Cao attend?
He attended the U.S. Naval Academy and the Naval Postgraduate School.
- What political offices has Hung Cao run for?
He has run for Virginia’s 10th congressional district and for the U.S. Senate from Virginia.
- What government positions has Hung Cao held?
He has served as Under Secretary of the Navy and acting Secretary of the Navy.
- What languages does Hung Cao speak?
He is fluent in English, French, and Vietnamese.
Conclusion
Hung Cao's life story is one of courage, dedication, and public service. From his early days as a refugee to his distinguished career in the U.S.
Navy and his current role as acting Secretary of the Navy, he has consistently demonstrated strong leadership and a commitment to his country.
His extensive military experience, including combat deployments and specialized operations, has prepared him for the challenges of high-level government positions.
He has also pursued a path in public office, seeking to represent his community and nation. Hung Cao's journey is a testament to the opportunities available through hard work and perseverance.
