Captain of USS Theodore Roosevelt showed infection symptoms before dismissal
Controversy over appropriateness of dismissal spreads
Trump supports dismissal, Esper also declares support
Biden says, "Dismissal is a crime, should be awarded"
[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Efforts have been made to save the crew members facing a mass infection crisis of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). It has been reported that the captain of the U.S. nuclear aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt, who was dismissed, has also been infected with COVID-19.
On the 5th (local time), The New York Times, citing sources, reported that Captain Brett Crozier tested positive for COVID-19 and was quarantined at a naval base in Guam.
According to The Times, Captain Crozier reportedly showed symptoms of COVID-19 even before he was dismissed and left the aircraft carrier on the 2nd.
Captain Crozier was dismissed after it was revealed to his hometown media that he had sent a letter to the U.S. military leadership requesting permission for the crew members to disembark, as nearly 100 confirmed COVID-19 cases had occurred on board.
When Captain Crozier left the Roosevelt, hundreds of crew members came out, chanting his name and expressing their gratitude, which has fueled controversy over his dismissal.
On the same day, U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper stated in an interview with CNN that an investigation into Captain Crozier's actions is underway and said, "I support that (dismissal) decision." He also disclosed that the number of infected personnel on the Theodore Roosevelt has increased to 155, but there have been no hospitalizations so far.
On the same day, Joe Biden, a leading Democratic presidential candidate and former vice president, criticized President Donald Trump’s condemnation of Captain Crozier the day before, saying, "Dismissing Captain Crozier is close to a crime." He argued that Captain Crozier should rather be awarded a medal.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
