Congress Faults Navy Over Quiet Firings After Submarine Incident
The U.S. Navy quietly removed several senior officers in recent months without its usual public notices, drawing a sharp protest from Congress over a nuclear submarine’s command team.
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Two House Democrats told Navy leaders on Thursday they had “deep frustration” that the service failed to inform Congress it had relieved the command team of a nuclear-powered attack submarine last month.
Reps. Joe Courtney of Connecticut and Adam Smith of Washington wrote to Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao and Adm. Daryl Caudle.
Lawmakers Demand Answers on Submarine
Their letter says the commanding officer, executive officer and chief of the boat of USS South Dakota were relieved on Oct. 14 after a reported grounding.
The lawmakers said the Virginia-class attack submarine reportedly struck an object on the seabed. The Navy has not confirmed an incident and declined to comment on the personnel action.
Submarine Force Atlantic later confirmed that Cmdr. Daniel Goodwin, the boat’s commanding officer, was relieved that day, after a report in The Day of New London, Connecticut. Courtney and Smith asked for answers by Nov. 20 on the submarine’s condition, the crew and possible training shortfalls.
“As a result of the Navy’s failure to communicate, what should have been a standard exercise in information sharing has instead raised questions about the Navy’s commitment to transparency and its commitment to a productive working relationship with Congress,” they wrote.
No statute requires such notices, they said, but the Navy has customarily briefed Congress after earlier collisions and groundings.
Destroyer Commander Also Removed
Separately, the Navy on Sept. 27 relieved Cmdr. Caitlin Cunningham, commander of the destroyer USS Michael Murphy, which has been deployed to support operations against Iran, a defense official said.
The official, speaking anonymously, said she was removed for a loss of confidence after less than a year in command. A Navy spokesperson later confirmed the relief to USNI News. The service issued no announcement and declined public comment.
The destroyer had sailed with the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group and remained in the Middle East after the carrier headed home.
Congress Physician Leaves During Inquiry
Dr. Brian Monahan, a Navy rear admiral and the attending physician for Congress and the Supreme Court, also left his post during a Navy investigation.
Sens. Mike Rounds, a South Dakota Republican, and Alex Padilla, a California Democrat, confirmed the departure but gave few details. A person familiar with the matter said the Navy has opened an investigation. Monahan had led the office for nearly 18 years.
Cao Confirmation Hearing Looms
The dispute could complicate a confirmation hearing next week for Cao, who is seeking the Navy’s top civilian post, even as Navy leaders face questions over prolonged deployments.
The Associated Press said the quiet removals break with the Navy’s practice of announcing major command changes and come as the Pentagon has tightened information on military operations.
Kamer Kurunç
Kamer Kurunç is the Team Leader of Clash Report and has led the outlet for four years. He oversees its breaking world news coverage, from the Middle East and the Russia-Ukraine war to defense and global politics. His focus is fast, verified, source-based reporting. Follow him on X at @kamerknc.
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