After Demotion Request, Fired Captain Called "Stupid"... Acting US Navy Secretary Attacked Then Apologized

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Thomas Modly, acting Secretary of the U.S. Navy, who called former USS Theodore Roosevelt captain Brett Crozier "stupid" in a personal attack after Crozier was dismissed for sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Defense requesting the disembarkation of crew members in response to the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, later apologized amid fierce criticism.

According to CNN and others on the 6th (local time), Acting Secretary Modly said in a speech to the Roosevelt crew docked in Guam that morning, "In my opinion, if he (former Captain Crozier) did not think that such information would be made public in this age of information we live in, then he is either too naive or too stupid to be the captain of such a ship." Modly is known to be the person who dismissed Crozier.

Modly raised suspicions that Crozier may have deliberately sent the letter, criticizing, "That was a betrayal. It was a betrayal of me and the entire chain of command." He also told the crew, "I understand that you love that man. And I understand that you may be angry with me for the rest of your lives," but emphasized, "Anger is not your mission."

After Modly's remarks were made public, he faced strong criticism. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut) tweeted, "Modly, who made shocking remarks, must be removed without mercy," criticizing Modly for failing to protect the safety and health of the crew. He added, "He betrayed their trust," and urged the Department of Defense to immediately launch an investigation. Elaine Luria (D-Virginia), a Navy veteran and member of the House of Representatives, also tweeted, "Secretary Esper must immediately remove Acting Secretary Modly."

As criticism intensified, Modly issued a statement that evening clarifying, "I want to make it clear that I do not think Captain Brett Crozier is naive or stupid," and apologized "for any pain my remarks may have caused" toward Captain Crozier. He stated, "Captain Crozier is smart and passionate," and "I believe he shared that warning email to draw public attention to the situation on the ship precisely because he is clearly neither naive nor stupid."

U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the controversy, saying, "Two good people are fighting. I am good at resolving such disputes," and added, "Maybe I will take a very close look at this issue. I think I can figure it out very quickly."

Meanwhile, CNN reported that as of that day, 61% of the more than 4,000 Roosevelt crew members had been tested for COVID-19, with 173 confirmed positive cases. It also added that about 2,000 crew members had been disembarked.