Was a member from 1798 to 1949. Since then, the secretary became subordinate to the secretary of Defense alongside the Secretaries of the newly created Department of the Army and Department of the Air Force. There were proposals to rename it the Secretary of the Navy and Marine Corps between 2001 and 2009 but it failed to happen due to opposition from Senator John McCain.
In order to become the secretary, a person must be at least 7 years removed of military service and be appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate.