Ex-HarbourVest Asia head nominated for US navy secretary
President Donald Trump has announced that Philip Bilden, who previously led the Asia operation of HarbourVest Partners, will be his nominee for US navy secretary.
Bilden joined HarbourVest in Boston in 1991 and relocated to Hong Kong in 1996 to establish the firm's Asian offices. He transitioned to a senior advisor role in 2012. Between 1986 and 1996 Bilden served in the Army Reserve as a military intelligence officer, achieving the rank of captain. His two sons currently serve in the navy.
Trump said in a statement that Bilden will apply his “terrific judgement and top-notch management skills” to the task of expanding and modernizing the US navy. A report issued by the navy in December called for the size of the fleet to rise from 272 to 355 ships over the next 30 years, noting that China plans to have nearly 350 vessels by 2020. Earlier this week, Trump said the US would prevent China from taking over territory in international waters in the South China Sea.
When it was reported earlier this month that Bilden was under consideration for the post, James Stavridis, a retired admiral who was formerly supreme commander of NATO, told USNI News: “He is a man of extraordinary expertise on maritime and nautical affairs. He is an expert on Asia and understands, in particular, China very deeply.” USNI News is operated by the US Naval Institute.
“Maintaining the strength, readiness, and capabilities of our maritime force is critical to our national security. If confirmed, I will ensure that our sailors and Marines have the resources they need to defend our interests around the globe and support our allies with commitment and capability,” Bilden said.
Bilden has served on the board of directors of the United States Naval Academy Foundation and the Board of Trustees of the Naval War College Foundation. He has also made several donations to the Republican National Committee and Republican candidates, including Mitt Romney and Dan Schwartz, the former chairman of AVCJ who unsuccessfully ran for Congress in 2012 and was elected state treasurer of Nevada in 2014.
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