U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper on Sunday defended the U.S. Navy's controversial decision to remove the commander of a coronavirus-stricken U.S. aircraft carrier, saying it was a 'tough call' but that ultimately it was 'a chain of command issue.'
WASHINGTON - U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper on Sunday defended the U.S. Navy’s controversial decision to remove the commander of a coronavirus-stricken U.S. aircraft carrier, saying it was a “tough call” but that ultimately it was “a chain of command issue.”
The move sparked intense backlash with videos posted online showing sailors aboard the vessel cheering Crozier as he departed and more that 120,000 people signing an online petition calling for his reinstatement. It has also become a political lightning-rod as the Trump administration faces intense criticism for its handling of the coronavirus outbreak.
The Pentagon said on Friday that Esper had confidence in Modly, but Esper’s remarks to ABC were the first time that he publicly commented on the issue.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Captain Fired by Navy Gets Rousing Farewell from SailorsVideos showing support from the ship’s crew for Capt. Brett Crozier, the fired Navy captain of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt appeared on social media, reflecting a growing outcry over his dismissal by Navy officials
Read more »
Sailors Cheer Navy Captain Removed For Pleading For COVID-19 HelpNumerous social media posts showed sailors loudly chanting “Captain Crozier” as Brett Crozier disembarked from the USS Theodore Roosevelt.
Read more »
Exclusive: Navy probe to decide future of fired U.S. carrier commanderEven as he is hailed as a hero by his crew, the fired commander of a coronavirus-stricken U.S. aircraft carrier is being reassigned while investigators consider whether he should face disciplinary action, acting U.S. Navy Secretary Thomas Modly told Reuters on Friday.
Read more »
Sailors Go Wild for Navy Captain Fired After Warning About CoronavirusCaptain Brett Crozier, who was fired by the Navy after warning about the danger of a COVID-19 outbreak on a U.S. aircraft carrier, received a loud ovation from sailors when he walked off the ship for the final time
Read more »