Further Investigations Into Coronavirus Infected Aircraft Carrier and Captain Dismissal

On Wednesday, the acting Navy Secretary James McPherson ordered a more comprehensive investigation into the events surrounding the coronavirus-stricken USS Theodore Roosevelt after a preliminary inquiry conducted by Adm. Mike Gilday, chief of naval operations. 

Captain Crozier to Return? 

McPherson stated that further investigation will only build on the initial inquiry’s good work to “provide a more fulsome understanding” of all the events that transpired on the ship and what led to the captain’s decision to “break” the chain of command. 

Gilday also made a recommendation to reinstate Capt. Brett Crozier, the ship’s commander, who was ousted for breaking the chain of command, in a plea for help due to the coronavirus outbreak on the 4,800-member aircraft. 

Rep. Adam Smith, the Armed Services Committee’s chairman, also said that a broader investigation is justified and is also recommending for Crozier to be reinstated. Then-acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly flew to Guam from Washington and blasted Crozier on the ship’s public address system, despite the crew’s love for their campaign. 

Modly’s short adventure to Guam cost Crozier’s position, close to $250,000 taxpayer dollars, as well as Modly’s job. The former secretary was also quarantined after his visit. 

As of April 27, the entire crew of the carrier has been tested, with 955 confirmed cases of the diseases and 14 recovered.