100 signatures reached
To: Adm. Mike Gilday, Acting Navy Sec'y Thomas Modly, Defense Sec'y Mark Esper, Rep. Anthony Brindisi, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, Sen. Chuck Schumer
Rescind the action against Captain Brett Crozier
Rescind the action taken against Captain Brett Crozier on April 2, 2020, for acting in the best interests of his crew. This action was taken as a result of his having sent a letter as an urgent plea for help related to 114 sailors aboard who had been stricken with coronavirus. His heroic effort to try to protect his crew as well as anyone else with whom they may have come warrants a commendation rather than his having been chastized and fired.
Why is this important?
In the midst of the health and economic problems currently facing our country, our military people who are brave enough to serve do so deployed in forward areas. It is the individual Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Marine who forms the basic unit of our national defense.
Our servicemembers who serve, do so depending on the officers assigned above them. Their lives depend on those officers entrusted with their care.
In reciprocal fashion, commanders cannot fulfill their objectives if their personnel are inadequately supplied, or have medical concerns. A commanding officer is completely ineffective without operational personnel.
Navy Captain Brett Crozier acted expediently to garner attention to the medical needs of his crew. We respectfully demand proper attention be given to Captain Crozier's crew, to absolve Captain Crozier of any wrongdoing in seeking prompt medical attention for his crew, and to initiate an investigation into the competency of those who would place blame of Captain Crozier instead of initiating immediate action to provide medical supplies and replacement crew members in the most expedient fashion.
Ironically, Acting Navy Secretary Modly said, “Capt. Crozier is an honorable man who, despite this uncharacteristic lapse of judgment, has dedicated himself throughout a lifetime of incredible service to our nation and he should be proud of that.” [https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/military/story/2020-04-02/captain-of-coronavirus-stricken-carrier-theodore-roosevelt-fired-over-leak-of-letter-asking-navy-for-help] Thomas Modly noted Capt. Crozier's honorable record. He appears to have exercised extraordinary measure, not faulty judgment which begs the question why he felt this was his most expedient option. It wasn't a lapse of judgment at all, rather an act of heroism deserving of a commendation. The individual serving as Secretary of the Navy could follow Captain Crozier's exemplary action by placing those brave personnel in the highest priority as well. Such consideration could be a giant leap toward restoring the US Navy's great example of military strength.
Our servicemembers who serve, do so depending on the officers assigned above them. Their lives depend on those officers entrusted with their care.
In reciprocal fashion, commanders cannot fulfill their objectives if their personnel are inadequately supplied, or have medical concerns. A commanding officer is completely ineffective without operational personnel.
Navy Captain Brett Crozier acted expediently to garner attention to the medical needs of his crew. We respectfully demand proper attention be given to Captain Crozier's crew, to absolve Captain Crozier of any wrongdoing in seeking prompt medical attention for his crew, and to initiate an investigation into the competency of those who would place blame of Captain Crozier instead of initiating immediate action to provide medical supplies and replacement crew members in the most expedient fashion.
Ironically, Acting Navy Secretary Modly said, “Capt. Crozier is an honorable man who, despite this uncharacteristic lapse of judgment, has dedicated himself throughout a lifetime of incredible service to our nation and he should be proud of that.” [https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/military/story/2020-04-02/captain-of-coronavirus-stricken-carrier-theodore-roosevelt-fired-over-leak-of-letter-asking-navy-for-help] Thomas Modly noted Capt. Crozier's honorable record. He appears to have exercised extraordinary measure, not faulty judgment which begs the question why he felt this was his most expedient option. It wasn't a lapse of judgment at all, rather an act of heroism deserving of a commendation. The individual serving as Secretary of the Navy could follow Captain Crozier's exemplary action by placing those brave personnel in the highest priority as well. Such consideration could be a giant leap toward restoring the US Navy's great example of military strength.