Final answer:
The Deputy Secretary of the Navy is the person who should perform the duties of the Secretary of the Navy in case of death, resignation, or absence from the position.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the Constitution of the United States, in case the Secretary of the Navy dies, resigns, or is absent from the position, the duties of the Secretary of the Navy would be performed by the Deputy Secretary of the Navy. This is because the Deputy Secretary is the second-highest-ranking official in the Department of the Navy and is next in line to assume the responsibilities of the Secretary of the Navy. The Chief of Naval Operations is the highest-ranking officer in the U.S. Navy but does not possess the authority to perform the duties of the Secretary of the Navy. The President of the United States is the Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy, but they do not directly assume the responsibilities of a specific department secretary. Finally, the Secretary of Defense is responsible for managing and supervising all matters related to the Department of Defense, including the Navy, but they do not perform the duties of the Secretary of the Navy in the event of their absence or vacancy.