In an unexpected turn of events — smack dab in the middle of enforcing a naval blockade on Iran — Secretary of the Navy John Phelan was fired Wednesday, effective immediately, the Pentagon announced.

A person with knowledge of the matter told Axios that “Phelan didn’t understand he wasn’t the boss. His job is to follow orders given, not follow the orders he thinks should be given” and that “He didn’t get along” with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Another person familiar with the situation said he had a good relationship with President Donald Trump.

“Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan is departing the administration, effective immediately,” Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell posted on X, adding that Navy Undersecretary Hung Cao will step in as acting secretary.

Confirmed by the Senate a year ago, Phelan came to the job with zero military experience, having graduated from Harvard Business School and run an investment firm.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned for more details!