Congressman Vela Supports Reinstatement of USS Theodore Roosevelt Captain

Statement

Today, Congressman Filemon Vela (D-TX) issued the following statement in response to top Navy officials recommending Capt. Brett E. Crozier be reinstated to the command of the USS Theodore Roosevelt.

"I strongly encourage Secretary Esper to follow the recommendations of his military advisers regarding the reinstatement of CAPT Crozier to command of the USS Theodore Roosevelt. The long-standing respect between Civilian and Military leaders has been to allow military leaders to maintain good order and discipline within the ranks of the Armed Forces. In these situations it is important that politics remain a non-factor, so that the credibility of the chain of command remains intact. In this case, CAPT Crozier's early dismissal by Acting Secretary Modly, without a full investigation, did just the opposite. In times of crisis it is more important than ever that we encourage doing the right thing for the men and women of the Armed Forces. Servicemembers and their families must have confidence in the commanders that they'll make the right decision. The decision to reinstate CAPT Crozier affects more than one man, it affects the morale and judgement of all who serve in uniform."

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