U.S. Navy insists on dismissing the former captain of the "Roosevelt"
On the 19th, the US Navy changed its previous proposal to restore the position of Brett Crozet, the former captain of the USS Theodore Roosevelt, and announced that he would insist on his dismissal and would not use him for other command positions.
In late March of this year, Crozet informed his superiors of the epidemic on the ship and requested that the ship's personnel be arranged ashore for isolation and testing. The content of the report is reported by the media and widely reproduced. On April 2, Thomas Modley, the then acting U.S. Navy Secretary, dismissed Crozet as unprofessional in responding to the challenges of the epidemic, causing controversy and doubts. Modley resigned under pressure from all parties, the US Navy launched an investigation, and once proposed to resume the position of Captain Crozer.
Data Map: The aircraft carrier Roosevelt anchored at the Guam Naval Base.
U.S. Naval Operations Secretary and Admiral Mike Gilday said at the Defense Department press conference on the 19th that an in-depth investigation revealed that although Croze requested the upper level to take more measures to save the personnel on board, he did not make enough efforts himself Stop the spread of the epidemic. In the end, more than 1200 people on board were diagnosed with infection, and one of them died.
The Navy also announced that it would postpone the promotion of Rear Admiral Stuart Baker, the immediate leader and commander of the aircraft carrier battle group, when Kroze was captain.
After the navy’s preliminary investigation in April, Gilday had suggested that Crozet be reinstated. However, Gilday said this time, from a deeper perspective, Klose and Baker are "well below" expectations.
Gildai said: "If I knew what I had at the time, I would not recommend resuming Krozer's position as captain. If Krozer was still in command today, I would also dismiss him."
According to Gilday, Crozet had insufficient early warning for unquarantined sailors and allowed the quarantined sailors to end the isolation prematurely. Therefore, placing the ship’s personnel at a higher risk may exacerbate the spread of the epidemic.
Gilday also said that Crozer is no longer suitable for any other command post and will be appointed for another.
The Navy’s decision was questioned by the US Democratic Party, saying it was “reserved” and “deeply surprised”. (Zhuang Beining) (Xinhua News Agency Special Feature)