Press Releases

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) today called for Acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly to resign following his degrading personal attacks on former Commanding Officer of the USS Theodore Roosevelt, Captain Brett Crozier, who was fired for sounding the alarm about the threat of COVID-19 to his crew:

“It was reprehensible for Acting Secretary Modly's to stand before the sailors of the USS Theodore Roosevelt and insult the decorated Naval Officer who was fired for trying to protect them from the spread of COVID-19. Acting Secretary Modly’s indefensible attacks on Captain Brett Crozier demonstrate that he is unfit to lead the men and women who serve in the Navy.

“Acting Secretary Modly’s perilous temperament demonstrates that he lacks the leadership needed to meet the unprecedented challenge we face. His unsound judgement extends beyond his degrading remarks aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt to his lack of responsiveness to concerns about the shipbuilding workforce at Bath Iron Works who are at risk. 

“Acting Secretary Modly’s behavior and lack of leadership endangers the brave men and women of our Navy and he must resign.”

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