Strait Outta Office

The U.S. Navy is shaking things up at home and at sea.

The Pentagon announced Wednesday that Naval Secretary John Phelan is “departing… effective immediately,” and Undersecretary Hung Cao is taking over temporarily. The department didn’t provide a reason for Phelan’s abrupt departure—the latest of several top military leaders to leave. 

The move comes as naval activity abroad is testing the renewed U.S.-Iran ceasefire. Iranian forces seized two container ships near the Strait of Hormuz Wednesday, claiming they were operating “without permits.” President Trump says the U.S. has “total control” over the passage and has ordered the navy to “shoot and kill any boat” putting mines in the strait as it continues sweeping. 

Meanwhile, in the Indian Ocean, U.S. forces have taken at least two tankers believed to be carrying Iranian oil.

__

CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Christians should be committed to praying for world leaders to be wise and to work towards peaceful resolutions, while simultaneously placing our hope in God, not government. 

“First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” 
1 Timothy 2:1-2 (CSB) (read full passage)