Crow Statement on the Dismissal of U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt Captain

Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06) today issued the following statement after Acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly announced that Captain Brett Crozier will be relieved of his post as commanding officer of the U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt, an aircraft carrier that has been grappling with the spread of COVID-19 cases among its sailors. Crow is a former Army Ranger and a member of the House Armed Services Committee.

"The dismissal of Captain Crozier is yet another example of failed leadership coming from the Trump Administration. Leadership means taking responsibility and putting the welfare of those under your command first and foremost. In the case of Captain Crozier, it very well looks like it cost him his job. I would expect any captain of a ship or commander of a unit to fight for their men and women when they are put in unnecessary danger or don't have the support they need. That's the way military leadership should work. We cannot undermine and blame those trying to stand up and protect those around them, yet that is exactly what this Administration has done.

"We don't yet have all the full details, but the Secretary of the Navy owes our sailors - and this country - a response. The health and safety of our servicemembers and America's national security are on the line."