US Military Sees Major Shakeup as Navy Chief of Staff Jon Harrison Dismissed
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth fires Harrison following policy shifts under Trump-era directives
Washington, Oct 4: The US Navy has witnessed a major shakeup as Chief of Staff Jon Harrison was dismissed by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Friday. Harrison, who was instrumental in reshaping internal Navy protocols to align with former President Donald Trump’s strategic vision, was removed following the confirmation of Navy Undersecretary Hung Cao, the second-highest civilian official under Navy Secretary John Phelan.
Both Harrison and Phelan had supported Hegseth’s push to implement new military policies, making Harrison’s position increasingly tenuous. Prior to his tenure as Chief of Staff, Harrison was appointed by Trump in 2020 to the United States Arctic Research Commission.
The move comes amid heightened US interest in the Arctic region, particularly Greenland. During his second term, Trump described Greenland as a strategic asset, emphasizing its significance for national and international security. The semi-autonomous island, controlled by Denmark, hosts both Danish and US military installations and is rich in natural resources, including rare earth minerals, uranium, and iron.
Vice President Mike Pence visited Greenland in March to highlight its resource potential, reinforcing Trump’s stance that control over the island is vital for US strategic interests. Harrison’s dismissal marks a significant reorganization of Navy leadership as the Pentagon continues to pursue its Arctic and global defense priorities.
