Who was the Secretary of the Navy during the noted time?

The reason Ray Mabus is the correct answer is that he served as the Secretary of the Navy from May 19, 2009, to January 20, 2017, which aligns with the noted timeframe for many discussions related to naval policies and developments during that period. Mabus was instrumental in various initiatives, including the Navy's "Great Green Fleet" aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability. His tenure also saw significant focus on issues such as shipbuilding, fleet modernization, and personnel policies, shaping the Navy's direction during his time in office.

The other individuals mentioned held the position at different times. Richard Spencer served as Secretary of the Navy from 2017 to 2021. Sean Stackley was not the Secretary of the Navy but did serve as the Acting Secretary for a brief period and was involved in naval acquisitions. John Dalton served earlier, from 1993 to 1998, which does not coincide with the timeframe relevant for the question. Therefore, focusing on Mabus' substantial contributions and policies during his tenure provides a clear context for selecting him as the correct answer.