Michael Cadenazzi
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy
Michael Cadenazzi earned an undergraduate degree from Tulane University and was commissioned as an ensign in the Navy through the ROTC program. He later received a master’s degree from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.
Cadenazzi served as a naval cryptologic warfare officer. He served in the U.S. Navy Sixth Fleet and later concluded his military service with U.S. Naval Forces Europe.
Cadenazzi became an entrepreneur and consultant in the aerospace and defense sector. He created defense industry services and technology startups for intelligence and analysis, market assessment and strategy. He engaged in mergers and acquisitions, operations, and supply chains for domestic and international clients and contractors.
President Donald Trump nominated Cadenazzi to be Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy in March 2025. He was confirmed by the Senate and sworn into office on September 23, 2025.
In the News…
Assistant Secretary for Industrial Base Policy Michael Cadenazzi will administer the Pentagon’s equity financing investment of an estimated $174 million to construct a new gallium production facility at Alcoa’s Wagerup alumina refinery.
Assistant Secretary Cadenazzi said, “This landmark agreement with our key allies, Australia and Japan, will secure a vital supply of gallium for our defense industrial base, strengthening our collective security and economic resilience for years to come.”
The initiative is a multinational partnership with Export Finance Australia (EFA), the Government of Japan, and Sojitz Corporation. Alcoa of Australia will operate the facility, which is projected to produce 100 metric tons of gallium metal annually.
The Pentagon explained, “Gallium is essential to the high-performance semiconductors underpinning critical defense capabilities. … Securing a reliable supply of gallium is essential for the [Department of War], and this project works to build long-term resilience in the existing global supply chain.“
