The Navy leadership push to reinstate Capt. Brett Crozier is on hold as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley seeks a "full-blown investigation."
"Milley isn't faulting Crozier," a senior defense official told Politico. "He wants more than just an inquiry
"That's the holdup."
Capt. Crozier was demoted as commander of coronavirus-stricken USS Theodore Roosevelt after a letter to superiors was leaked to Crozier's hometown newspaper. The letter detailed the widespread outbreak that crippled the aircraft carrier while in action near China, putting hundreds of U.S. servicemen's lives in danger.
"While Capt. Crozier's actions at the outset of the health crisis aboard the TR were drastic and imperfect, it is clear he only took such steps to protect his crew," Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., chairman of the House Armed Services Committee told Politico. "Capt. Crozier should be reinstated to his command immediately."
Crozier's reinstatement would serve as a rebuke of former Acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly, who criticized Crozier's handling of the situation but ultimately resigned after crew members protested his harsh statements.
Navy leaders briefed Defense Secretary Mark Esper on the internal review and issued recommendations on Crozier's reinstatement, according to Pentagon spokesperson Jonathan Hoffman in a statement to Politico.
Esper is reviewing the documents in a "thorough review" and will discuss the "next steps" with Navy leaders, Hoffman added, per the report.
Two officials told Politico both Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michael Gilday and acting Navy Secretary James McPherson recommend Crozier's reinstatement. President Donald Trump had said he would get involved, but he reportedly has yet to intervene in the defense inquiry.
More than 800 on the USS Theodore Roosevelt have tested positive for COVID-19. A final decision is expected next week, per the report.
Another COVID-19 outbreak has spread on a naval ship, as the USS Kidd has had 33 test positive. The Kidd is operating on the Pacific coast of Latin America conducting the Trump administrations counter narco-terrorism operation.
Eric Mack ✉
Eric Mack has been a writer and editor at Newsmax since 2016. He is a 1998 Syracuse University journalism graduate and a New York Press Association award-winning writer.
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