WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Armed Services Committee Chairman Adam Smith (D-Wash.) today issued the following statement after reports broke that Acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly has submit his resignation to Secretary of Defense Mark Esper.
“Acting Secretary Modly submitting his formal resignation to Secretary Esper was the right thing to do. After mismanaging the COVID-19 outbreak on the U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt, it became obvious that Acting Secretary Modly had forfeited his ability to lead the Navy. His actions had become a distraction at a time when we need the Navy to be focused on preserving the safety of our Sailors and maintaining the readiness of our fleet.
“It is now imperative that the Trump Administration identify a qualified Acting Secretary replacement who has demonstrated the strong, steady leadership that is required in a crisis.”
“Acting Secretary Modly submitting his formal resignation to Secretary Esper was the right thing to do. After mismanaging the COVID-19 outbreak on the U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt, it became obvious that Acting Secretary Modly had forfeited his ability to lead the Navy. His actions had become a distraction at a time when we need the Navy to be focused on preserving the safety of our Sailors and maintaining the readiness of our fleet.
“It is now imperative that the Trump Administration identify a qualified Acting Secretary replacement who has demonstrated the strong, steady leadership that is required in a crisis.”
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