Acting Navy secretary confirms @Reuters scoop that captain of USS Theodore Roosevelt relieved of command after a letter he wrote requesting removal of most of ship's crew to protect them from COVID was made public
SecNav said the fact that letter made public 'undermined the chain of command' as Navy responded to crisis, even though the point of his letter was that steps Navy was directing were inadequate.
Modly says military will investigate 'climate' in the ship and PACOM to determine why situation unfolded as it did.
SecNav says that his message to naval commanders is: don't hesitate to report problems but do it within chain of command. I'm not sure this is the message they are going to take away from handling of Roosevelt CO.
NavSec is pledging support and care for sailors during COVID crisis. But there are people across Navy/military, far beyond Roosevelt, voicing similar worries about whether military leadership is taking the most prudent steps.
This is confusing: NavSec saying he doesn't know if Crozier leaked the memo to SF Chronicle. But says he sent it out 'too widely'
Modly also confirms 114 sailors from USS Roosevelt have tested positive, none hospitalized
Q: Was he fired for copying too many people on his email? NavSec: He 'demonstrated poor judgment' and created anxiety in the crew.
Modly said Crozier created a 'particular level of alarm' by predicting loss of life if crew remained aboard. At same time Navy is complying with much of Crozier's request by moving at least 2/3 crew off ship.
Modly said Crozier should have gone 'right down the hall' to talk to Strike Group commander. That's what he should have done, NavSec said.
NavSec said Crozier erred by copying at least 20-30 people when he sent his memo.
