Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao has selected William Mahan to perform the duties of assistant Navy secretary for research, development and acquisition, according to a Tuesday announcement.

Mahan is a retired submarine officer and a 2003 graduate of the United States Naval Academy. He most recently served as chief of staff for former Navy Secretary John Phelan, who was ousted last month.

Mahan replaces Jason Potter who has performed the duties of ASN(RD&A) since July 2025. Potter will now return to his original role as principal civilian deputy to the ASN(RD&A), the notice states.

“Restoring our maritime dominance requires bold leadership in warfighting acquisition,” Cao said in a statement. “Will Mahan is a proven leader who will help the Navy deliver the Golden Fleet to ensure our sailors and Marines have what they need to fight and win when the nation calls.”

In his new role, Mahan will serve as the senior acquisition executive for the Navy and Maine Corps, playing a leading role in the department’s acquisition system overhaul and in the execution of its significantly expanded procurement proposal for fiscal year 2027.

The Trump administration has not nominated an official to fill the role in a permanent capacity.