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Trump’s Pick to Lead Navy Assails Past Leaders and Promises Change Trump’s Pick to Lead Navy Assails Past Leaders and Promises Change
(5 days later)
WASHINGTON — President Trump’s choice to be the secretary of the Navy testified on Thursday that the sea service had suffered through “rough waters” over its handling of the virus-stricken aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt and other recent episodes, largely because of poor leadership.WASHINGTON — President Trump’s choice to be the secretary of the Navy testified on Thursday that the sea service had suffered through “rough waters” over its handling of the virus-stricken aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt and other recent episodes, largely because of poor leadership.
The comments by the nominee, Kenneth J. Braithwaite, were a blunt indictment of senior civilians and admirals who have led a Navy that in recent years has been racked by scandals and accidents. He cited the “Fat Leonard” bribery scandal that tainted much of the service’s top leadership as well as two ship collisions in 2017, nine weeks apart, that together killed 17 sailors.The comments by the nominee, Kenneth J. Braithwaite, were a blunt indictment of senior civilians and admirals who have led a Navy that in recent years has been racked by scandals and accidents. He cited the “Fat Leonard” bribery scandal that tainted much of the service’s top leadership as well as two ship collisions in 2017, nine weeks apart, that together killed 17 sailors.
“They are all indicative of a breakdown in the trust of those leading the service,” said Mr. Braithwaite, a Naval Academy graduate and retired one-star admiral. “It saddens me to say that the Department of the Navy is in rough waters due to many factors but primarily the failure of leadership.”“They are all indicative of a breakdown in the trust of those leading the service,” said Mr. Braithwaite, a Naval Academy graduate and retired one-star admiral. “It saddens me to say that the Department of the Navy is in rough waters due to many factors but primarily the failure of leadership.”
He pledged to the Senate Armed Services Committee “to restore the appropriate culture in the United States Navy.” He added: “I won’t say it’s broken. I think it’s been tarnished.”He pledged to the Senate Armed Services Committee “to restore the appropriate culture in the United States Navy.” He added: “I won’t say it’s broken. I think it’s been tarnished.”
Mr. Braithwaite, 59, who is currently the U.S. ambassador to Norway, also seemed to distance himself from some decisions made by Thomas B. Modly, the acting Navy secretary until last month. Over the objections of top military advisers, Mr. Modly fired Capt. Brett E. Crozier, who pleaded for help fighting the coronavirus on the Theodore Roosevelt. Mr. Modly later resigned after he criticized the crew on an ill-fated trip to the Roosevelt in Guam for its support of the deposed captain.Mr. Braithwaite, 59, who is currently the U.S. ambassador to Norway, also seemed to distance himself from some decisions made by Thomas B. Modly, the acting Navy secretary until last month. Over the objections of top military advisers, Mr. Modly fired Capt. Brett E. Crozier, who pleaded for help fighting the coronavirus on the Theodore Roosevelt. Mr. Modly later resigned after he criticized the crew on an ill-fated trip to the Roosevelt in Guam for its support of the deposed captain.
Asked by Senator Tim Kaine, Democrat of Virginia, if he saw himself intervening in far-flung personnel decisions, Mr. Braithwaite said, “No, I don’t.”Asked by Senator Tim Kaine, Democrat of Virginia, if he saw himself intervening in far-flung personnel decisions, Mr. Braithwaite said, “No, I don’t.”
“Good order and discipline starts with the chain of command,” Mr. Braithwaite said. “If I’m confirmed, I’ll ensure that is understood, from the secretary’s office all the way to the smallest vessel in United States Navy.”“Good order and discipline starts with the chain of command,” Mr. Braithwaite said. “If I’m confirmed, I’ll ensure that is understood, from the secretary’s office all the way to the smallest vessel in United States Navy.”
Mr. Braithwaite, who spent 27 years on active duty and in the Navy Reserve as an aviator and public affairs officer, also told senators that he supported a decision last week by the current acting secretary of the Navy, James E. McPherson, to order a wider investigation into the events aboard the Roosevelt.Mr. Braithwaite, who spent 27 years on active duty and in the Navy Reserve as an aviator and public affairs officer, also told senators that he supported a decision last week by the current acting secretary of the Navy, James E. McPherson, to order a wider investigation into the events aboard the Roosevelt.
That new inquiry shelved for now a recommendation by the Navy’s top admiral, Michael M. Gilday, to restore Captain Crozier to command of the Roosevelt.That new inquiry shelved for now a recommendation by the Navy’s top admiral, Michael M. Gilday, to restore Captain Crozier to command of the Roosevelt.
Mr. McPherson’s decision was interpreted by some Defense Department officials as reflecting concern among both civilian and military leaders at the Pentagon over getting on the wrong side of Mr. Trump. Captain Crozier was fired in part because of fears that Mr. Trump wanted him gone, and not knowing how the president feels about reinstating the captain has cast a shadow over the actions since.Mr. McPherson’s decision was interpreted by some Defense Department officials as reflecting concern among both civilian and military leaders at the Pentagon over getting on the wrong side of Mr. Trump. Captain Crozier was fired in part because of fears that Mr. Trump wanted him gone, and not knowing how the president feels about reinstating the captain has cast a shadow over the actions since.
But Mr. Braithwaite indicated he had no opposition to conducting the wider inquiry, which is expected to be completed by the end of the month by Adm. Robert Burke, the vice chief of naval operations.But Mr. Braithwaite indicated he had no opposition to conducting the wider inquiry, which is expected to be completed by the end of the month by Adm. Robert Burke, the vice chief of naval operations.
Mr. Braithwaite said he was relying on lessons he learned preparing for and flying anti-submarine missions in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.Mr. Braithwaite said he was relying on lessons he learned preparing for and flying anti-submarine missions in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
“Whenever you’re confronted with a challenge like this, it’s best to pause, consider all the facts and then make the right decision,” Mr. Braithwaite said under questioning from Senator Richard Blumenthal, Democrat of Connecticut.“Whenever you’re confronted with a challenge like this, it’s best to pause, consider all the facts and then make the right decision,” Mr. Braithwaite said under questioning from Senator Richard Blumenthal, Democrat of Connecticut.
Mr. Braithwaite’s meeting with senators in a near-empty hearing room on Capitol Hill under Covid-19 restrictions came as the issues surrounding the Roosevelt, the Navy’s handling of the matter and the fate of the warship all remain under intense public scrutiny.Mr. Braithwaite’s meeting with senators in a near-empty hearing room on Capitol Hill under Covid-19 restrictions came as the issues surrounding the Roosevelt, the Navy’s handling of the matter and the fate of the warship all remain under intense public scrutiny.
As sailors and other crew members who were quarantined on Guam return to the ship and begin preparations to return to sea, tensions have flared again between the ship’s medical personnel and Navy leadership over whether the Roosevelt is ready to go back to work in the Pacific Ocean.As sailors and other crew members who were quarantined on Guam return to the ship and begin preparations to return to sea, tensions have flared again between the ship’s medical personnel and Navy leadership over whether the Roosevelt is ready to go back to work in the Pacific Ocean.
Meantime, Captain Crozier, who had tested positive for the coronavirus, completed his recovery and subsequent quarantine on Guam. He reported on Monday to the Pacific Fleet’s Air Forces headquarters in San Diego and is expected to remain there at least for the duration of the new investigation.Meantime, Captain Crozier, who had tested positive for the coronavirus, completed his recovery and subsequent quarantine on Guam. He reported on Monday to the Pacific Fleet’s Air Forces headquarters in San Diego and is expected to remain there at least for the duration of the new investigation.
Over and over, Mr. Braithwaite repeated on Thursday that his priority would be to rebuild trust up and down the chain of command, and hold those responsible accountable for any wrongdoings or misdeeds.Over and over, Mr. Braithwaite repeated on Thursday that his priority would be to rebuild trust up and down the chain of command, and hold those responsible accountable for any wrongdoings or misdeeds.
Updated June 5, 2020 Updated June 12, 2020
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Mr. Braithwaite reaffirmed this under questioning from Senator Tammy Duckworth, Democrat of Illinois, who asked about the extraordinary war crimes case involving a member of the Navy SEALs, Chief Petty Officer Edward Gallagher.Mr. Braithwaite reaffirmed this under questioning from Senator Tammy Duckworth, Democrat of Illinois, who asked about the extraordinary war crimes case involving a member of the Navy SEALs, Chief Petty Officer Edward Gallagher.
Late last year, the service was rocked by Mr. Trump when he fired Richard V. Spencer, the last permanent Navy secretary, after Mr. Spencer publicly disagreed with the president’s intervention on behalf of Chief Gallagher.Late last year, the service was rocked by Mr. Trump when he fired Richard V. Spencer, the last permanent Navy secretary, after Mr. Spencer publicly disagreed with the president’s intervention on behalf of Chief Gallagher.
Chief Gallagher was accused of murdering a wounded captive with a hunting knife during a deployment to Iraq in 2017, and when the Navy prosecuted him, Mr. Trump intervened several times in his favor. When the chief’s court-martial ended in acquittal on most charges, Mr. Trump congratulated him and criticized the prosecutors. After the Navy demoted Chief Gallagher for the one relatively minor charge on which he was convicted, Mr. Trump reversed the demotion.Chief Gallagher was accused of murdering a wounded captive with a hunting knife during a deployment to Iraq in 2017, and when the Navy prosecuted him, Mr. Trump intervened several times in his favor. When the chief’s court-martial ended in acquittal on most charges, Mr. Trump congratulated him and criticized the prosecutors. After the Navy demoted Chief Gallagher for the one relatively minor charge on which he was convicted, Mr. Trump reversed the demotion.
The commander of Naval Special Warfare, Rear Adm. Collin P. Green, then started the formal process of taking away Chief Gallagher’s Trident pin, the symbol of the Navy commandos, and expelling him from the SEALs. But Mr. Trump overruled the move and Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper fired Mr. Spencer, who had supported the process.The commander of Naval Special Warfare, Rear Adm. Collin P. Green, then started the formal process of taking away Chief Gallagher’s Trident pin, the symbol of the Navy commandos, and expelling him from the SEALs. But Mr. Trump overruled the move and Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper fired Mr. Spencer, who had supported the process.
Mr. Braithwaite said the Navy had gone through rough patches in the past and prevailed, and could do so again. “The department is resilient,” he said.Mr. Braithwaite said the Navy had gone through rough patches in the past and prevailed, and could do so again. “The department is resilient,” he said.