U.S. Navy Secretary Resigns After Disparaging Relieved Naval Captain

This news is not surprising to me after I read the transcript of what Modly told the crew of the Theodore Roosevelt about their commanding officer who was relieved earlier this week:

Acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly, left, at a House Armed Services Committee hearing in February, 2020. At right is Marine Corps Commandant Gen. David Berger.

Acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly resigned Tuesday amid mounting criticism for his disparaging comments about the commander of the USS Theodore Roosevelt who he fired over a leaked letter requesting aid for the coronavirus outbreak aboard the ship.

Defense Secretary Mark Esper said in a statement Tuesday that he had accepted Modly’s resignation.

“He resigned on his own accord, putting the Navy and the sailors above self so that the USS Theodore Roosevelt, and the Navy as an institution, can move forward,” Esper said.

Stars & Stripes

You can read more at the link, but I understand why Captain Crozier was relieved, but it probably would have been better to let an investigation happen first.

However, Secretary Modly just through gasoline on the fire with his remarks about Captain Crozier that was addressed to the crew of the Theodore Roosevelt. Most of his remarks were actually spot on and very good points, but attacking Crozier as being “too naïve or too stupid to be the commanding officer of a ship like this” was uncalled for in my opinion.

He should have been smart enough to know he should have just thanked Crozier for his service and that this was an unfortunate one-time incident that shouldn’t take away from the brilliant career he had, or words to that effect.

Ultimately here is yet another mess for the U.S. Navy. They are on their third Secretary of the Navy since November. I feel bad for all the great sailors that have to deal with this circus.

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2ID Doc
4 years ago

I wonder how all my friends who posted “This is all Trumps fault the Captain was relieved and Modly is SecNav.” It appears the Captain may be reinstated and Modly has resigned. I’m guessing this all Trump’s fault too?

johnhenry
johnhenry
4 years ago

Technically they’re on their second acting secretary. You know how we have the terms great grandfather, great great grandfater, etc.? Well, it’s time for Trump’s administration to start something similar. In order, Trump had an Acting Secretary of the Navy, then a Secretary of the Navy, then Modly as Acting Acting Secretary of the Navy. And the next toady that twerp appoints will be the Acting Acting Acting Secretary of the Navy.

setnaffa
setnaffa
4 years ago

johnhenry is pining for the days of wooden ships and iron men…

J6Junkie
J6Junkie
4 years ago

Not the smartest acting secretary ever.

johnhenry
johnhenry
4 years ago

Pining for wooden ships? That’s hilarious. Good pun.

setnaffa
setnaffa
4 years ago

Thank you, johnhenry. It took a lot of time to nail that one down.

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