Definition

1. Noun:
   • Head of a former executive department: The "Secretary of the Navy" was the civilian leader of the United States Department of the Navy, a former cabinet-level executive department. This position was combined with the Secretary of War to form the Secretary of Defense in 1947 under the National Security Act.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • James Forrestal was the last person to hold the title of Secretary of the Navy before the department's reorganization.
  • The Secretary of the Navy reported directly to the President on all naval matters.

Advanced Usage

• Historical Context: The term is primarily used in a historical context when discussing U.S. government structure prior to 1947. After this date, the senior civilian official overseeing the Navy is the Secretary of the Navy (note: same title), but this position is now under the Department of Defense and reports to the Secretary of Defense, not directly to the President as a cabinet secretary.
  • The office of the Secretary of the Navy, as a standalone cabinet post, was abolished in 1947.

Variants and Related Words

• Secretary of the Navy (modern): The current title for the civilian head of the United States Navy, which is a subordinate position within the Department of Defense.
• Secretary of Defense: The cabinet official who now oversees the Department of Defense, including the Department of the Navy.
• Department of the Navy: The executive department that was led by the Secretary of the Navy; now a military department within the Department of Defense.

Synonyms

• Navy Secretary (informal/historical)
• Civilian head of the Navy

Notes on Usage

• This term refers specifically to a historical U.S. government position. When capitalized ("Secretary of the Navy"), it is a formal title.
• The modern role with the same name is a different position within the current organizational hierarchy. Context usually clarifies whether the historical or modern title is meant.

Noun

1. head of a former executive department; combined with the War Secretary to form the Defense Secretary in 1947