A large fire broke out on the USS Bonhomme Richard in San Diego, California, early Sunday morning, injuring 17 of the 160 sailors aboard.
According to Naval Surface Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet, the 17 sailors have been transported to a local hospital with minor injuries, and four civilians have also been injured. Several hours after the fire started, all sailors were reportedly accounted for and off the vessel.
A Navy official, speaking to <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2020/07/12/navy-ship-catches-fire-san-diego-sailors-injured/">The Washington Post</a> “on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue” said that other Navy officials do not suspect foul play but have also not determined the cause of the fire.
Federal Fire San Diego Division Chief Rob Bondurant said around 4 p.m. local time that “there are two firefighting teams fighting the fire aboard the ship,” and officials were still looking for the seat of the fire, according to a Twitter statement from the Naval Surfaces Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
The San Diego Fire Department <a href="https://twitter.com/SDFD/status/1282378836475129858">said</a> on Twitter that they were first requested at about 9 a.m. local time, and the situation escalated to a two-alarm fire several minutes later, and then a three-alarm fire shortly before 10 a.m.
CNN <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/12/us/ship-explosion-san-diego-naval-base/index.html">reports</a> that San Diego Fire Chief Colin Stowel told anchor Erica Hill that the fire could potentially continue to burn for days. <a href="http://sandiegouniontribune.com/news/military/story/2020-07-12/blaze-on-board-uss-bonhamme-richard-at-naval-base-san-diego">The San Diego Union-Tribune</a> reports that a minimum of “a dozen fire engines and trucks” had responded to the scene.
“The fire department said 150 firefighters were assigned to the blaze and a fire investigator was dispatched,” reports the news agency.
A helicopter video of the scene posted to Twitter by the San Diego Fire Department shows a plume of smoke, seemingly emanating from the center of the ship, blowing toward the land. It’s unclear when the video was taken.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Video of the USS Bonhomme Richard shot from SDFD copter 3. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/shipfire?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#shipfire</a> <a href="https://t.co/tYluuN5pii">pic.twitter.com/tYluuN5pii</a>
— SDFD (@SDFD) <a href="https://twitter.com/SDFD/status/1282414804594917377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
A separate video, also posted by SDFD, shows firefighters responding to the scene, and the caption of the video says that “an explosion” occurred. While the video does not appear to show the explosion, Stowel also told CNN there was an explosion.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
In the process of accounting for all firefighters and clearing the area. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/shipfire?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#shipfire</a> <a href="https://t.co/ldjvu5WzgB">pic.twitter.com/ldjvu5WzgB</a>
— SDFD (@SDFD) <a href="https://twitter.com/SDFD/status/1282373070905204736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
Admiral Michael Gilday, chief of naval operations, called the fire a “terrible tragedy” in a statement. He also praised the “quick and immediate response of local, base, and shipboard firefighters.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with our BHR Sailors, their families, and our emergency responders who continue to fight the fire,” said Gilday.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The remainder of the crew is accounted for. We are grateful for the quick and immediate response of local, base, and shipboard firefighters aboard BHR. Our thoughts and prayers are with our BHR Sailors, their families, and our emergency responders who continue to fight the fire.
— USNavyCNO (@USNavyCNO) <a href="https://twitter.com/USNavyCNO/status/1282450118529167371?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Navy Ship USS Bonhomme Richard Burns At Naval Base In San Diego

San Diego Navy Ship Fire Injures Over A Dozen Sailors

U.S. Navy

A large fire broke out on the USS Bonhomme Richard in San Diego, California, early Sunday morning, injuring 17 of the 160 sailors aboard. According to

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America&#8217;s top four nation-state enemies in the world have all shown signs of increased military aggression against the United States over the last 24 hours.
Earlier today, 11 Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) boats swarmed several U.S. naval ships that &#8220;were conducting joint integration operations with U.S. Army AH-64E Apache attack helicopters in the international waters of the North Arabian Gulf,&#8221; the U.S. Navy said in a statement.
The Navy said that the Iranian boats got within 10 yards of the U.S. vessels and did not respond to &#8220;five short blasts from the ships&#8217; horns and long-range acoustic noise maker devices.&#8221;
The Navy added, &#8220;The IRGCN&#8217;s dangerous and provocative actions increased the risk of miscalculation and collision, were not in accordance with the internationally recognized Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) ‘rules of the road’ or internationally recognized maritime customs, and were not in accordance with the obligation under international law to act with due regard for the safety of other vessels in the area.&#8221;
WATCH:
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BREAKING: 11 Iranian <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IRGCN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IRGCN</a> vessels repeatedly conducted dangerous &amp; harassing approaches against U.S. naval ships operating in international waters of North Arabian Gulf. U.S. crews took actions deemed appropriate to avoid collision.
Details: <a href="https://t.co/ZVKPKv738o">https://t.co/ZVKPKv738o</a> <a href="https://t.co/lKJgDz0l2N">pic.twitter.com/lKJgDz0l2N</a>
&mdash; U.S. Navy (@USNavy) <a href="https://twitter.com/USNavy/status/1250558722805547014?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The aggression from Iran comes after a bombshell report from The Wall Street Journal indicating that communist China might be conducting secret nuclear weapons tests in violation of international law.
The Wall Street Journal <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/possible-chinese-nuclear-testing-stirs-u-s-concern-11586970435">reported</a>:
<blockquote>China might be secretly conducting nuclear tests with very low explosive power despite Beijing’s assertions that it is strictly adhering to an international accord banning all nuclear tests, according to a new arms-control report to be made public by the State Department.
The coming report doesn’t present proof that China is violating its promise to uphold the agreement, but it cites an array of activities that “raise concerns” that Beijing might not be complying with the “zero-yield” nuclear-weapons testing ban.
The concerns stem from the high tempo of activity at China’s Lop Nur test site, extensive excavations at the site, and Beijing’s purported use of special chambers to contain explosions.
Another factor feeding U.S. suspicions is the interruption in past years of data transmissions from monitoring stations on Chinese territory that are designed to detect radioactive emissions and seismic tremors.</blockquote>
The news concerning possible nuclear tests by communist China comes after the Russian military tested a “direct-ascent anti-satellite (DA-ASAT) missile” on Wednesday, which is designed to destroy &#8220;satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO),&#8221; according to the <a href="https://www.spacecom.mil/MEDIA/NEWS-ARTICLES/Article/2151611/russia-tests-direct-ascent-anti-satellite-missile/">United States Space Command</a>.
“Russia’s DA-ASAT test provides yet another example that the threats to U.S. and allied space systems are real, serious and growing,” said Gen. John W. “Jay” Raymond, USSPACECOM commander and U.S. Space Force Chief of Space Operations. “The United States is ready and committed to deterring aggression and defending the Nation, our allies and U.S. interests from hostile acts in space.”
“This test is further proof of Russia’s hypocritical advocacy of outer space arms control proposals designed to restrict the capabilities of the United States while clearly having no intention of halting their counterspace weapons programs,” Raymond said. “Space is critical to all nations and our way of life. The demands on space systems continue in this time of crisis where global logistics, transportation and communication are key to defeating the COVID-19 pandemic.
The U.S. Navy also reported on Wednesday that the Russian military buzzed a U.S. military aircraft that was flying in international airspace over the Mediterranean Sea.
&#8220;On April 15, 2020, a U.S. P-8A Poseidon aircraft flying in international airspace over the Mediterranean Sea was intercepted by a Russian SU-35,&#8221; the Navy <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/15/politics/us-russia-intercept-missile-test/index.html">said in a statement</a>. &#8220;The interaction was determined to be unsafe due to the SU-35 conducting a high-speed, inverted maneuver, 25 ft. directly in front of the mission aircraft, which put our pilots and crew at risk. The crew of the P-8A reported wake turbulence following the interaction.&#8221;
On Tuesday, North Korea fired &#8220;multiple short-range anti-ship cruise missiles into the sea and Sukhoi jets fired air-to-surface missiles&#8221; as part of military exercises, Reuters <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-missiles/north-korea-fired-multiple-short-range-cruise-missiles-into-sea-south-korea-military-idUSKCN21W0FS">reported</a>.
The U.S. Military conducted an &#8220;elephant walk&#8221; at Andersen AFB, Guam, on Tuesday that showcased some of the most powerful bombers in the world that have the capability to deliver nuclear bombs anywhere in the world in a matter of hours.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ICYMI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ICYMI</a> A <a href="https://twitter.com/USNavy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USNavy</a> MQ-4C Triton, <a href="https://twitter.com/usairforce?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@usairforce</a> RQ-4 Global Hawk, B-52 Stratofortresses, and KC-135 Stratotankers at Andersen AFB, Guam, perform an Elephant Walk April 13, 2020. The Elephant Walk showcases their commitment to ensure regional stability throughout the Indo-Pacific. <a href="https://t.co/LUDdzh6a1k">pic.twitter.com/LUDdzh6a1k</a>
&mdash; PACAF (@PACAF) <a href="https://twitter.com/PACAF/status/1250110435740626944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

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11 Iranian Military Boats Swarm U.S. Naval Ships; China Might Be Testing Nukes; Russia, North Korea Show Military Aggression, According To Various Reports

China

Iran

North Korea

Russia

America&#039;s top four nation-state enemies in the world have all shown signs of increased military aggression against the United States over the last 24

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After media outlets obtained a recording of his comments to the crew of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt about his decision to relieve their captain of his command, acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly apologized for his &#8220;choice of words,&#8221; but stood by his decision. In response to the removal of the captain, President Trump said Monday that he&#8217;s now getting &#8220;involved.&#8221;
Modly announced on Thursday that the aircraft carrier&#8217;s captain, Brett Crozier, was being relieved for his decision to violate the chain of command by sending an email to a &#8220;broad&#8221; audience sounding the alarm about the threat of coronavirus on the ship, which had infected 100 of its more than 4,000 personnel. The contents of the email, a four-page letter pleading for Navy officials to take an &#8220;extraordinary measure&#8221; — remove most of the personnel from the ship to quarantine on land for two weeks — found its way to the <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Exclusive-Captain-of-aircraft-carrier-with-15167883.php#">San Francisco Chronicle</a>.
“This will require a political solution but it is the right thing to do,” Crozier wrote in a March 30 letter emailed to Navy officials. “We are not at war. Sailors do not need to die. If we do not act now, we are failing to properly take care of our most trusted asset — our Sailors. &#8230; Keeping over 4,000 young men and women on board the TR is an unnecessary risk and breaks faith with those Sailors entrusted to our care.&#8221;
On Thursday, Modly relieved Crozier of command, citing his decision to send his plea over &#8220;non-secure unclassified email&#8221; to a &#8220;broad array of people,&#8221; rather than up the chain of command.
Speaking to the crew of the Guam-docked nuclear aircraft carrier on Monday, Modly delivered a scathing rebuke of Crozier&#8217;s &#8220;betrayal of trust,&#8221; as a recording of the comments posted by <a href="https://taskandpurpose.com/news/navy-secretary-blasts-fired-aircraft-carrier-captain?utm_medium=Social&amp;utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1586186903">Task &amp; Publication</a> revealed.
&#8220;If he didn&#8217;t think, in my opinion, that this information wasn&#8217;t going to get out into the public, in this day and information age that we live in, then he was either A, too naive, or too stupid to be a commanding officer of a ship like this,&#8221; Modly told the crew. &#8220;The alternative is that he did this on purpose. And that&#8217;s a serious violation of the UCMJ which you are all familiar with.&#8221;
&#8220;It was betrayal,&#8221; Modly said, as reported by <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/military/acting-navy-secretary-rips-ousted-captain-who-sounded-alarm-over-n1177676">NBC News</a>. &#8220;And I can tell you one other thing: Because he did that, he put it in the public’s forum and it’s now become a big controversy in Washington, D.C., and across the country, about a martyr CO who wasn’t getting the help he needed and therefore had to go through the chain of command, a chain of command which includes the media.&#8221;
&#8220;Everyone is scared about this thing,&#8221; he said. &#8220;And let me tell ya something, if this ship was in combat and there were hypersonic missiles coming in at it, you&#8217;d be pretty f***ing scared too. But you do your jobs. And that&#8217;s what I expect you to. And that&#8217;s what I expect every officer on this ship to do, is to do your jobs.&#8221;
The acting secretary also called out Democratic presidential frontrunner Joe Biden. &#8220;If I could offer you a glimpse of the level of hatred and pure evil that has been thrown my way, my family&#8217;s way over this decision, I would. But it doesn&#8217;t matter. It&#8217;s not about me,&#8221; said Modly. &#8220;The former Vice President of the United States Joe Biden suggested just yesterday that my decision was criminal. I assure you that it was not. Because I understand the facts and those facts show that what your captain did was very, very wrong in a moment when we expected him to be the calming force on a turbulent sea.&#8221;
After the recording went public, Modly defended his comments. &#8220;The spoken words were from the heart, and meant for them,&#8221; he said. &#8220;I stand by every word I said, even, regrettably any profanity that may have been used for emphasis. Anyone who has served on a Navy ship would understand. I ask, but don&#8217;t expect, that people read them in their entirety.&#8221;
A few hours later, however, Modly offered a partial apology for his &#8220;choice of words&#8221; in a <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/military/acting-navy-secretary-rips-ousted-captain-who-sounded-alarm-over-n1177676">statement</a>: &#8220;Let me be clear, I do not think Captain Brett Crozier is naïve nor stupid. I think, and always believed him to be the opposite. I believe, precisely because he is not naive and stupid, that he sent his alarming email with the intention of getting it into the public domain in an effort to draw public attention to the situation on his ship. I apologize for any confusion this choice of words may have caused. I also want to apologize directly to Captain Crozier, his family, and the entire crew of the Theodore Roosevelt for any pain my remarks may have caused.&#8221;
Asked if Modly&#8217;s comments to the crew about Crozier were appropriate, President Trump <a href="https://abc7ny.com/coronavirus-government-response-updates-trump-task-force-say-mitigation-is-working/6081690/">said</a> during a press conference Monday that he&#8217;s going to have to step in to address the controversy.
&#8220;We don&#8217;t need to have letter-writing campaigns where the fake news finds a letter and gets a leak. We don&#8217;t want that. So the letter shouldn&#8217;t have been sent,&#8221; said Trump. &#8220;With all of that said, his career prior to that was very good. So I&#8217;m going to get involved and see exactly what&#8217;s going on there.&#8221; The president added that he&#8217;s &#8220;heard very good things about the gentleman, both gentlemen,&#8221; referencing Crozier and Modly. &#8220;I don&#8217;t want to destroy somebody for having a bad day,&#8221; said Trump.

Thomas Modly

Acting Navy Sec. Apologizes For ‘Choice Of Words’ About Captain Who Sent Coronavirus Letter; Trump Getting ‘Involved’

Coronavirus

Donald Trump

Joe Biden

After media outlets obtained a recording of his comments to the crew of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt about his decision to relieve their

Acting Navy Sec. Apologizes For ‘Choice Of Words’ About Captain Who Sent Coronavirus Letter; Trump Getting ‘Involved’ | The Daily Wire

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Secretary of Defense Mark Esper revealed to the press Tuesday that the Pentagon has initiated the process of activating two Navy hospital ships — one on the West Coast and one on the East Coast — to help with the federal coronavirus response.
&#8220;We’ve already given orders to the Navy… to lean forward in terms of getting them ready to deploy,&#8221; Sec. Esper told reporters Tuesday, as reported by <a href="https://news.usni.org/2020/03/17/pentagon-preparing-navy-hospital-ships-mercy-comfort-for-coronavirus-response">U.S. Naval Institute News</a>.
The two hospital ships that have begun activation are USNS Mercy (T-AH-19) and USNS Comfort (T-AH-20), which are homeported at Naval Station San Diego, CA, and Naval Station Norfolk, VA, respectively, and both have a 1,000 bed-capacity.
Activating the hospital ships, Sec. Esper explained, will help &#8220;take the pressure off of civilian hospitals when it comes to trauma cases, to open up civilian hospital rooms for infectious diseases.&#8221;
&#8220;The ships will now begin the several days-long process of bringing aboard medical staff and equipment ahead of deploying along the East and West coasts, a defense official confirmed to USNI News on Tuesday afternoon,&#8221; the outlet reported. To fully mobilize personnel takes a week or more, officials say.
&#8220;The big challenge isn’t the availability of these inventories, it’s the medical professionals,&#8221; Esper explained. &#8220;All of those doctors and nurses either come from our medical treatment facilities or they come from the reserves, which means civilians.&#8221;
&#8220;What I don’t want to do is take reservists from a hospital where they are needed, just to put them on a ship, to take them somewhere else where they are needed,&#8221; the Defense Secretary added. &#8220;We’ve got to be very conscious of that.&#8221;
&#8220;Two sources told USNI News that the idea was for the ships to provide relief for coastal hospital systems, with the ships taking on non-COVID-19 cases and allowing the hospitals to focus on the most critical patients suffering from the virus,&#8221; USNI News explains. &#8220;The Pentagon also has extensive equipment for erecting field hospitals in addition to the hospital ships, but those facilities are optimized for trauma cases, with several beds close together, and not for infectious patients.&#8221;
“In some ways we want to be the last resort,” Esper said.
As reported by <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-usa-military/white-house-preparing-to-call-on-military-to-boost-coronavirus-medical-response-idUSKBN2143DP">Reuters</a>, the White House said earlier Tuesday that it has been in talks with the Pentagon about the Army Corps of Engineers helping to set up field hospitals as part of the mitigation plan.
&#8220;The Army Corps of Engineers is ready, willing and able, we have to give them the go ahead if we find that it&#8217;s going to be necessary, we think that we can have quite a few units up very rapidly,&#8221; Trump said Tuesday.
Sec. Esper confirmed that he was willing to deploy the Army Corps of Engineers to set up field hospitals, but noted that doing so would require the military to go through a laborious contracting process that could slow things down. Contracting at the state or local level, he suggested, would be more efficient.
Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/vice-president-pence-when-coronavirus-outbreak-over-economy-will-come-roaring-back">Vice President Pence: When Coronavirus Outbreak Over ‘Economy Will Come Roaring Back’</a>

USNS Mercy

U.S. Navy Activates Hospital Ships For Coronavirus Response

Pentagon

Trump Administration

Secretary of Defense Mark Esper revealed to the press Tuesday that the Pentagon has initiated the process of activating two Navy hospital ships — one on

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The U.S. Navy has ordered that all ships that have visited nations in the Pacific region to self-quarantine at sea for two weeks in an effort to stop of the spread of the coronavirus, which originated in China.
U.S. Navy spokesman Lt. James Adam told CNN that while there is no indication that any sailors have been infected with the coronavirus, the Navy was taking no chances when it comes to potentially spreading the coronavirus.
&#8220;Out of an abundance of caution, Pacific Fleet is implementing additional mitigations to prevent Sailors from contracting COVID-19, and to monitor Sailors who have traveled to higher-risk areas,&#8221; Adam said. &#8220;The health and welfare of our sailors, civilians, and their families is paramount and our efforts are directed at detection and, if required, prevention of the spread of this illness.&#8221;
The news comes as California and New York are reportedly monitoring over 9,000 people for the the coronavirus as experts warn that the U.S. could see a boom in cases overnight.
Dr. Jeffrey Klausner, an adjunct professor of epidemiology at the University of California Los Angeles who previously worked for the CDC, told <a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/coronavirus-could-explode-in-the-us-overnight-like-it-did-in-italy">The Daily Beast</a> on Thursday that Americans should prepare for an outbreak but should not panic.
“It’s possible to say suddenly we’ll have 20 or 30 cases from one particular place,” Klausner said. “People should expect that, but people should not be overly concerned about that. If we were testing everyone for the common cold, we would find hundreds of thousands of cases.”
“It’s a cold virus, and colds are readily transmissible from person-to-person,” Klausner added. “There can be a rapid increase in the number of people with a cold virus, particularly in winter environments where people are more likely to be in close contact.”
The news comes as the Trump administration was reportedly considering on Thursday to invoke special powers through the Defense Production Act, which was “passed by Congress in 1950 at the outset of the Korean War, would mark an escalation of the administration’s response to the outbreak. The virus first surfaced in China and has since spread to other countries including the United States,” Reuters <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-health-usa-production-exclusive/exclusive-u-s-mulls-using-sweeping-powers-to-ramp-up-production-of-coronavirus-protective-gear-idUSKCN20L2S0?il=0">reported</a>. “The law grants the president the power to expand industrial production of key materials or products for national security and other reasons.”
A <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/report-reveals-which-countries-are-best-worst-prepared-to-deal-with-coronavirus/">report</a> late last year from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that the United States was by far the most prepared nation on earth to handle a potential pandemic.
The 140 Global Health Security Index questions that the report asked were organized across seven categories:
<ol>
<li>Overall</li>
<li>Prevention: Prevention of the emergence or release of pathogens</li>
<li>Detection and Reporting: Early detection and reporting for epidemics of potential international concern</li>
<li>Rapid Response: Rapid response to and mitigation of the spread of an epidemic</li>
<li>Health System: Sufficient and robust health system to treat the sick and protect health workers</li>
<li>Compliance with International Norms: Commitments to improving national capacity, financing plans to address gaps, and adhering to global norms</li>
<li>Risk Environment: Overall risk environment and country vulnerability to biological threats</li>
</ol>
The report ranked the United States:
<ul>
<li>Overall: #1</li>
<li>Prevention: #1</li>
<li>Detection and Reporting: #1</li>
<li>Rapid Response: #2</li>
<li>Health System: #1</li>
<li>Compliance with International Norms: #1</li>
<li>Risk Environment: #19</li>
</ul>
This report has been updated to include additional information.

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Navy Orders All Ships That Have Visited Nations In Pacific Region To Self-Quarantine For Coronavirus

The U.S. Navy has ordered that all ships that have visited nations in the Pacific region to self-quarantine at sea for two weeks in an effort to stop of

Navy Orders All Ships That Have Visited Nations In Pacific Region To Self-Quarantine For Coronavirus | The Daily Wire

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A Virginia woman plead guilty on Tuesday to falsely claiming a Navy sailor sexually assaulted her two years ago.
Miranda S. Overton, 21, claimed in 2018 that a Navy sailor sexually assaulted her. She made her accusation to a Naval Criminal Investigative Service agent in Norfolk, Virginia and claimed the sailor raped and sodomized her at Naval Station Norfolk, the Navy Times <a href="https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2020/02/25/woman-pleads-guilty-to-lying-to-ncis-about-rape/">reported</a>.
A <a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-edva/pr/woman-pleads-guilty-false-statement-regarding-sexual-assault">statement</a> from the Department of Justice’s U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Virginia said the woman made the accusation in July 2018. The accused sailor was interviewed and said he had met Overton on an online dating app and the two had consensual sex on the night in question. Navy investigators then reviewed surveillance footage from the night in question, which showed Overton and the sailor kissing in an elevator just prior to the alleged assault. They also obtained a statement that Overton gave during a sexual assault forensic examination. During her exam, Overton admitted she had agreed to have sex with the sailor prior to meeting him in person.
Investigators then spoke with Overton a second time and she admitted that she made a false allegation against the sailor and that she had made a false allegation in the past as well. She told investigators that she made up the story because she was afraid her “significant other” would break up with her if it was discovered she cheated with the sailor.
On January 22, 2020, federal prosecutors charged Overton with a single count of making a false statement to a department or agency of the United States. On February 11, a court filing revealed she had plead guilty. DOJ officials said in their statement that her plea had been accepted.
Overton faces up to five years in prison, though it is highly unlikely she will get anywhere near that. In the past, women who have falsely accused men have received little to no jail time for their crimes, even though the named men would face decades in prison and had their lives upended due to the false accusation. No doubt the simple fact that Overton made the accusation was enough to cause damage to the falsely accused sailor. Luckily, his name has not been splashed all over media outlets, but just the rumor that he was accused of raping a woman is likely enough to cause trauma and career problems for him.
As The Daily Wire has reported previously, women who made false accusations receive little punishment. A pastor who claimed a teenage boy raped his girlfriend – an accusation that led to the teenager getting arrested – spent just <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/woman-who-falsely-accused-teenager-of-rape-will-spend-just-one-night-in-jail-mother-speaks-out">one night in jail</a> for her crime, even though she also allegedly had child porn on her phone and groomed a teenage girl for sex. Taylier Tibbetts, who falsely accused the father of her child of abusing the boy, manipulated photos to make the boy look abused, and tried to raise money off of her lie, was given <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/false-accusations-should-receive-harsh-punishments">a suspended sentence</a> of just 30 days in jail and a $350 fine. Nikki Yovino, who falsely accused two Sacred Heart University football players of rape received one of the harshest sentences a false accuser has received in recent memories – <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/she-lied-about-being-raped-now-men-she-accused-are-ashe-schow">one year in prison</a>.

Sailor

She Accused A Sailor Of Sexual Assault. She Just Admitted She Lied So Her ‘Significant Other’ Wouldn’t Think She Cheated.

false accusations

Sexual Assault

A Virginia woman plead guilty on Tuesday to falsely claiming a Navy sailor sexually assaulted her two years ago. Miranda S. Overton, 21, claimed in 2018

She Accused A Sailor Of Sexual Assault. She Just Admitted She Lied So Her ‘Significant Other’ Wouldn’t Think She Cheated. | The Daily Wire

https://www.dailywire.com/news/she-accused-a-sailor-of-sexual-assault-she-just-admitted-she-lied-so-her-significant-other-wouldnt-think-she-cheated/

https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2020/02/GettyImages-91441862.jpg

The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps issued &#8220;disease containment preparedness&#8221; guidelines this week outlining the measures U.S. Northern Command is now implementing to prepare for a possible outbreak.
The orders were issued amid <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/test-kits-for-novel-coronavirus-hit-a-snag-in-the-u-s-11581565817">reports</a> revealing that the number of people in the U.S. who have contracted the potentially deadly virus has reached 14, included two currently being quarantined at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, while the number of confirmed cases in China reportedly increased by <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/breaking-number-of-confirmed-cases-deaths-of-coronavirus-explodes-in-china">nearly 15,000</a>.
As reported by the <a href="https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2020/02/13/us-military-prepping-for-coronavirus-pandemic/">Military Times</a>, service-wide announcements issued Tuesday and Wednesday by the Navy and Marine Corps reveal that the U.S. Northern Command &#8220;is executing plans to prepare for a potential pandemic of the novel coronavirus, now called COVID19.&#8221;
&#8220;An executive order issued by the Joint Staff and approved by Defense Secretary Mark Esper this month directed Northern Command and geographic combatant commanders to initiate pandemic plans, which include ordering commanders to prepare for widespread outbreaks and confining service members with a history of travel to China,&#8221; the Military Times reports.
The service-wide messages cite an executive order directing U.S. Northern Command to &#8220;implement the Department of Defense Global Campaign plan for Pandemic Influenza and Infectious Diseases 3551-13,&#8221; which provides instructions for preparing for a widespread outbreak, the outlet explains.
Military Times reports that U.S. Northern Command said it was directed on Feb. 1 by the Joint Staff to begin &#8220;prudent planning&#8221; for a potential pandemic. As stressed by Navy Lt. Cmdr. Mike Hatfield, the planning in no way &#8220;indicate[s] a greater likelihood of an event developing.&#8221;
&#8220;The current threat of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus has raised concern that this virus could result in a pandemic disease,&#8221; read the guidelines issued by the Marine Corps on Wednesday (full text below). &#8220;In such a scenario, nCoV could spread, infecting U.S. personnel, and threaten the operational readiness of the U.S. Marine Corps.&#8221;
&#8220;An outbreak of a new (novel) coronavirus is rapidly evolving, but currently poses a LOW RISK to personnel located in CONUS [continental United States],&#8221; the guidelines background section states. &#8220;Plan, and take preparatory and precautionary actions to ensure that an outbreak of 2019-nCoV does not incapacitate Marine Corps forces, installations, and facilities,&#8221; the method section reads. &#8220;If 2019-nCoV is introduced on USMC installations and facilities, or within the Fleet Marine Force (FMF), execute plans and procedures to improve Force Health Protection (FHP) and readiness.&#8221;
Below is an excerpt from the &#8220;<a href="https://www.marines.mil/News/Messages/Messages-Display/Article/2081806/us-marine-corps-disease-containment-preparedness-planning-guidance-for-2019-nov/">Disease Containment Preparedness Planning Guidance For 2019 Novel Coronavirus</a>&#8221; issued by the U.S. Marine Corps Wednesday (formatting adjusted):
1. Situation. 
1.A. General. 
1.A.1.  Commanders will take specific actions to review and validate Disease Containment Plans to prepare for and respond to a potential occurrence of the 2019 Novel (New) Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). 
1.A.2. The current threat of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus has raised concern that this virus could result in a pandemic disease.  In such a scenario, nCoV could spread, infecting U.S. personnel, and threaten the operational readiness of the U.S. Marine Corps. 
1.A.3. The Marine Corps’ response to a pandemic outbreak focuses on five major areas:  1) Force Health Protection (FHP); 2) Disease Containment Planning (DCP) and Readiness; 3) Continuity of Operations (COOP); 4) Defense Support of Civilian Authorities (DSCA); and 5) Support to U.S. Government response efforts.
1.B. Background. 
1.B.1. An outbreak of a new (novel) coronavirus is rapidly evolving, but currently poses a LOW RISK to personnel located in CONUS.  The 2019-nCoV is a viral respiratory disease related  to Middle-East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).  Symptoms of 2019-nCoV may include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. 
1.B.2. Chinese health authorities identified 2019-nCoV as the cause of the pneumonia outbreak in Wuhan, China.  There are confirmed cases in over 20 countries, including the United States, with validated cases in Arizona, California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Washington State, and Wisconsin, with one reported death of an American citizen in China. 
1.B.3. The U.S. State Department issued a LEVEL 4 DO NOT TRAVEL advisory to China on 30 January 2020.  The World Health Organization (WHO) has categorized risk as VERY HIGH for China, and HIGH globally, and declared that nCoV constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). 
1.B.4. Although the United States Government, in conjunction with private industry, is conducting research to identify protocols that may treat the 2019-nCoV disease, there are no U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved treatments at this time.  Standard treatment for 2019-nCoV includes prompt implementation of recommended infection prevention and control measures and supportive management of complications.  Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a person under investigation for 2019-nCoV infection should be isolated, and healthcare professionals, and local or state health departments, should be notified immediately. 
1.B.5.  Presently, the U.S. Marine Corps is planning, conducting routine surveillance, and commencing engagement activities, to assure and solidify collaborative relationships, and inform all personnel, to be prepared for disease containment operations and support. 
1.B.6.  This MARADMIN aligns with validating Disease Containment and Installation CBRNE Protection Plans IAW references F and J.
2.  Mission.  The U.S. Marine Corps will prepare for potential outbreaks of 2019-nCoV.  If an outbreak occurs, the Marine Corps mitigates, responds, and recovers from the effects in order to maintain force readiness.
3.  Execution. 
3.A.  Commander’s Intent. 
3.A.1.  Method. 
3.A.1.A.  Plan, and take preparatory and precautionary actions to ensure that an outbreak of 2019-nCoV does not incapacitate Marine Corps forces, installations, and facilities.  If 2019-nCoV is introduced on USMC installations and facilities,  or within the Fleet Marine Force (FMF), execute plans and procedures to improve Force Health Protection (FHP) and readiness. 
3.A.1.B.  Planning will address protection of all Marines, government civilian, contract workforce personnel, and military family members. 
3.A.1.C.  Planning will address FHP, both in garrison and during deployment. Per reference E, the following prescriptive measures must be adhered to: 
3.A.1.C.1.  Identify all Marines returning from mainland China after 2 February 2020 and place service members under a 14-day restriction of movement (ROM). 
3.A.1.C.2.  During the 14-day ROM: 
3.A.1.C.2.A.  Restrict Marines to their residence for a 14-day ROM period, starting from the day of departure from mainland China. 
3.A.1.C.2.B.  Marines will be assessed by cognizant medical staff (by phone consultation or in person), as soon as possible, within the first 24 hours of arrival to home station or their final destination, for the development of fever or symptoms of 2019-nCoV. 
3.A.1.C.2.C.  Marines living in open-bay settings, or rooms with shared bathrooms and/or kitchen facilities, will be placed in separate lodging to span the 14-day ROM period.  The command to which the Marine is assigned will arrange for the separate lodging. 
3.A.1.C.2.D.  Marines will be assessed daily for fever and symptoms by cognizant medical staff (by phone consultation or in person).  For all in-person assessments of members, (including those which are asymptomatic), medical personnel should wear appropriate PPE. 
3.A.1.C.2.E.  Marines will separate themselves from other people in the home/dwelling if residing with roommates/family members to avoid sharing personal items, to the extent possible pursuant to existing guidance. 
3.A.1.C.2.F.  Marines may not travel, visit public/crowded areas, or use public transportation and should avoid interaction with pets or other animals, to the greatest extent possible. 
3.A.1.C.2.G.  Medical evaluation and care will be immediately arranged if the Marine displays fever and symptoms consistent with the 2019-nCoV, as per CDC guidance. 
3.A.1.C.2.G.1.  The Marine will call ahead before going to a medical treatment facility (MTF), informing the MTF of his/her symptoms and travel history. 
3.A.1.C.2.G.2.  MTF staff should follow CDC guidance when assessing Marines who display fever and symptoms consistent with 2019-nCoV. 
3.A.1.C.2.G.3.  If a Marine or Sailor is identified as a patient, per previously published guidance, appropriate reporting will be initiated. 
3.A.1.C.3.  Until further notice, it is recommended that civilian employees and contractor personnel, and family members returning from China follow existing CDC guidance.  Key aspects include voluntarily:  remaining at home, avoiding congregate settings, limiting close contact with people and pets/other animals to the greatest extent possible, avoiding travel, self-monitoring, and seeking immediate medical care if symptoms develop. 
3.A.1.C.4.  Potentially affected personnel will be identified in coordination with Federal, State, and local medical planners, healthcare providers, and Public Health Emergency Officers (PHEOs).  Actions will mitigate the spread of 2019-nCoV to unaffected personnel. 
3.B.  End State.  The U.S. Marine Corps is postured to mitigate, contain, respond to, and recover from the effects of a public health crisis, and is capable of conducting assigned missions in a pandemic environment. 
3.C.  Concept of Operations.  The concept of operations in response to a viral disease crisis retains the phased approach structure outlined in NORTHCOM CONPLAN 3551, IAW  reference I. 
3.D.  Tasks. 
3.D.1.  Commanders will: 
3.D.1.A.  Review, update, and validate existing disease containment plans and policies in order to implement procedures for response, isolation, quarantine, restriction of movement, and community-based intervention. 
3.D.1.B.  Restrict travel and movement of personnel to areas experiencing 2019-nCoV outbreaks.  Provide appropriate medical and non-medical screening of, and protection for, personnel returning from affected areas.  Monitoring and screening of individuals potentially exposed to 2019-nCoV should be based on the guidance set forth in reference E. 
3.D.1.C.  Develop measures to contain and treat U.S. service members DOD employees, contract employees, and family members exposed to, or possibly exposed to 2019-nCoV. 
3.D.1.D.  Interim guidance and recommendations for reporting, testing and specimen collection can be found at the CDC website:  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/HCP/clinical-criteria.html. 
3.D.1.E.  IAW reference K, report suspected cases of Marines and Sailors meeting the CDC’s definition of a patient or confirmed cases of 2019-nCoV through service and combatant command reporting channels, and to COMMARFORNORTH for tracking and reporting to CDRUSNORTHCOM.  OPREP-3 and/or SIR formatting guidance is contained in reference L. 
3.D.1.F.  Ensure DCP is incorporated into COOP plans, including continuity of essential services. 
3.D.1.G.  Coordinate with MTFs in development and execution of DCP responses. 
3.D.1.H.  Commanders will protect personally identifiable information and protected health information, as applicable, in accordance with U.S Law and DoD regulations and policies. 
3.D.1.I.  Coordinate with Navy Regional Medical Command to request PHEO support. 
3.D.1.J.  Become familiar with authority to declare a public health emergency, restrict movement, quarantine and isolate.  Coordinate with Federal, State, local, and military treatment facilities and public health emergency officials outlined in Section 3 of reference B. 
3.D.1.K.  Validate Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Disease Containment Response Plans for 2019-nCoV that incorporate the requirements of this MARADMIN. 
3.D.2.  Coordinating Instructions. 
3.D.2.A.  The U.S. Marine Corps will follow CDC guidance for healthcare providers at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/clinical-criteria.html.  Additional reference material for protective equipment that may go beyond current CDC guidelines are available at:  https://health.mil/Reference-Center/Policies/2018/09/25/Personal-Protective-Equipment-Policy-Guidance.  Due to the dynamic nature of this outbreak, individuals should frequently check the CDC 2019-nCoV website for additional updates at:  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
4.  Administration and Logistics.  This MARADMIN has been coordinated with HQMC Operations Division, HQMC, Health Services – Preventive Medicine, and HQMC Judge Advocate.
5.  Command and Signal.  A.  Command.  This MARADMIN applies to the Total Force.  B. Signal.  This MARADMIN is effective immediately.

Marine Corps

READ IT: U.S. Military Issues Coronavirus Containment Plan Orders

Marines

Military

The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps issued &quot;disease containment preparedness&quot; guidelines this week outlining the measures U.S. Northern Command is now

READ IT: U.S. Military Issues Coronavirus Containment Plan Orders | The Daily Wire

https://www.dailywire.com/news/read-it-u-s-military-issues-coronavirus-containment-plan-orders/

https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2020/02/Marine-Corps.jpg

During a recent interview with Fox News&#8217; Brian Kilmeade, retired U.S. Navy SEAL Jocko Willink — who was a former commander of the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/navy-seal-jocko-willink-top-lesson-dont-quit-2018-6">most decorated</a> special operations unit of the entire Iraq War — described President Donald Trump&#8217;s recent ordered strike on top Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps–Quds Force general Qassem Soleimani as a &#8220;gamble&#8221; that nonetheless clearly &#8220;paid off&#8221; for the president.
&#8220;Retired Navy SEAL and author Jocko Willink applauded the &#8216;gamble&#8217; taken by President Trump in ordering the killing of top Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, which was followed by anti-regime protests that erupted on the streets of Tehran,&#8221; Fox News <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/media/navy-seal-jocko-willink-trump-iran-soleimani-killing">reported</a>.
“When you look at it from that perspective you could say that this was a brilliant move to kill a person that was an enemy of America and an enemy of the Iranian people,” Willink said on “The Brian Kilmeade Show,&#8221; Fox News wrote.
“Was it a risk to do this operation?&#8221; Willink continued. &#8220;Absolutely. And if you were to poll everyone that had knowledge about what the conflict is like over there, &#8216;Hey should we do this or not?&#8217; There would have been mixed feelings.”
Willink then explained how such operations are always a risk, analogizing to the famous Navy SEAL raid in Pakistan to take down 9/11 mastermind jihadist Osama bin Laden of al-Qaeda.
“It was a risk to do this just like it was a risk when Obama sent SEALS in to go kill [Osama] bin Laden. That was huge risk,” Willink continued, as also reported by Fox News. “He’s going into Pakistan, he didn’t tell Pakistan what we’re doing. There was massive risk. You know the whole building could have been bombed. That’s a massive risk to do that operation. Pulled it off. Bravo. Outstanding.”
“We don’t know what could have happened. Trump took a gamble and did this, and you know what? From what it looks like right now the gamble paid off,” Willink said as he wrapped up his remarks.
In a <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/hammer-the-just-and-proper-strike-of-mastermind-iranian-jihadist-qassem-soleimani">Daily Wire op-ed</a> published the day after President Trump&#8217;s successfully ordered strike of Soleimani, I wrote approvingly of the &#8220;just and proper strike&#8221; of &#8220;mastermind Iranian jihadist&#8221; Qassem Soleimani:
<blockquote>The world has awoken today a safer and more just place. And the unraveling of former President Barack Obama’s pro-Iran regional Middle East realignment, which began with President Donald Trump’s <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/watch-trump-just-shredded-iran-deal-here-are-5-ben-shapiro">thunderous exit</a>from his predecessor’s pro-ayatollah nuclear capitulation, has now reached its logical conclusion.
The Obama Middle East foreign policy legacy is dead. As is the Islamic Republic of Iran’s infamous jihadist mastermind, <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/breaking-trump-responds-to-u-s-military-killing-2-top-iranian-military-leaders-involved-in-terrorists">Qassem Soleimani</a>.
Good riddance to both. &#8230;
Qassem Soleimani was a monstrous thug. In addition to the hundreds of Americans killed in Iraq via Iranian-supplied roadside IEDs, Soleimani personally oversaw the jihad-led destabilization of all nations within Tehran’s coveted <a href="https://www.jewishpolicycenter.org/2019/09/03/the-shiite-crescent-and-regional-disaster/">“Shiite crescent”</a> of desired regional hegemony. He likely is responsible, on net, for tens of thousands of deaths. He was a relentless and unceasing foe of Western civilization, more broadly, though he held a special disdain for the mullahs’ “Little Satan” of Israel and “Great Satan” of the United States.</blockquote>
As The Daily Wire&#8217;s Emily Zanotti <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/ted-cruz-dares-democrats-offers-senate-resolution-praising-soleimani-mission">reported</a> earlier this month, Iran hawk Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) introduced a formal Senate resolution praising the Soleimani strike. &#8220;Senator Ted Cruz wants Democrats to publicly declare their feelings on the Trump Administration’s mission to kill Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani,&#8221; Zanotti wrote.

President Donald J. Trump Watches Raid On Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi’s Compound

Retired SEAL: Trump’s ‘Gamble’ On Soleimani Strike ‘Paid Off’

Al Qaeda

Foreign Policy

Fox News

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps

Middle East

Osama bin Laden

Qassem Soleimani

During a recent interview with Fox News&#039; Brian Kilmeade, retired U.S. Navy SEAL Jocko Willink — who was a former commander of the most decorated special

Retired SEAL: Trump’s ‘Gamble’ On Soleimani Strike ‘Paid Off’ | The Daily Wire

https://www.dailywire.com/news/retired-seal-trumps-gamble-on-soleimani-strike-paid-off/

https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2020/01/GettyImages-1178435935.jpg

<div class="el__leafmedia el__leafmedia--sourced-paragraph">
The U.S. Navy&#8217;s Middle East-based fleet revealed Friday that a Russian warship &#8220;aggressively approached&#8221; the USS Farragut destroyer in the North Arabian Sea on Thursday, initially refusing to respond to the destroyer&#8217;s warning signals in an action that &#8220;increased the risk of collision.&#8221;
&#8220;On Thursday, Jan. 9, while conducting routine operations in the North Arabian Sea, USS Farragut was aggressively approached by a Russian Navy ship,&#8221; the U.S. Navy&#8217;s Fifth Fleet stated in a series of tweets Friday that include video of the encounter.
&#8220;Farragut sounded five short blasts, the international maritime signal for danger of a collision, and requested the Russian ship alter course in accordance with international rules of the road,&#8221; the Fifth Fleet explained.
&#8220;The Russian ship initially refused but ultimately altered course,&#8221; the fleet said. &#8220;While the Russian ship took action, the initial delay in complying with international rules while it was making an aggressive approach increased the risk of collision.&#8221;
&#8220;The U.S. Navy continues to remain vigilant and is trained to act in a professional manner,&#8221; the Fifth Fleet added.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
On Thursday, Jan. 9, while conducting routine operations in the North Arabian Sea, USS Farragut (DDG 99) was aggressively approached by a Russian Navy ship. <a href="https://t.co/SCVyTINNqe">pic.twitter.com/SCVyTINNqe</a>
&mdash; U.S. 5th Fleet (@US5thFleet) <a href="https://twitter.com/US5thFleet/status/1215658745205796864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en">
Farragut sounded five short blasts, the international maritime signal for danger of a collision, and requested the Russian ship alter course in accordance with international rules of the road. <a href="https://t.co/OGCeAGKOy3">pic.twitter.com/OGCeAGKOy3</a>
— U.S. 5th Fleet (@US5thFleet) <a href="https://twitter.com/US5thFleet/status/1215658818882998272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2020</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
While the Russian ship took action, the initial delay in complying with international rules while it was making an aggressive approach increased the risk of collision. 
The U.S. Navy continues to remain vigilant and is trained to act in a professional manner.
&mdash; U.S. 5th Fleet (@US5thFleet) <a href="https://twitter.com/US5thFleet/status/1215658823471501315?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Two defense officials told <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/10/politics/russian-warship-us-aircraft-carrier-video/index.html">CNN</a> the Russian warship &#8220;got as close as 180 feet from the US ship and that there was bridge to bridge communication between the two warships.&#8221;
CNN notes that the Farragut &#8220;is part of the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier group and the Farragut is tasked with intercepting potential enemy ships to prevent them from approaching the aircraft carrier.&#8221;
A similar close encounter between U.S. and Russian ships took place in the Pacific in June 2019, with both sides blaming the other for the near disaster. A U.S. warship came <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2019/06/07/politics/us-russia-navy-near-collision-intl/index.html">as close as 50 feet</a> from a Russian warship, both ships reportedly forced to engage in emergency maneuvers to avoid running into each other.
The tense moment comes amid increased tension in the Middle East after a standoff between the U.S. and Iran. On Tuesday, Iran launched ballistic missile strikes on two Iraqi bases at which U.S. and coalition personnel were stationed in retaliation for a Trump-ordered airstrike that took out Iran&#8217;s top military leader, who was responsible for hundreds of Americans&#8217; deaths and helped orchestrate countless terror operations.
Following the strikes, which resulted in no American or Iraqi casualties and minimal damage to the bases, Iran quickly signaled that it hoped for de-escalation, reaching out to the U.S. “<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/iran-sent-messages-through-three-back-channels-to-u-s-after-attack-to-say-they-were-done">through at least three back channels</a>” to make clear that the missile strikes would be the extent of their military retaliation if the U.S. did not take further action.
President Trump delivered a <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/breaking-trump-addresses-nation-after-attack-no-lives-lost-iran-appears-to-be-standing-down">televised statement</a> the next morning, announcing that &#8220;Iran appears to be standing down,&#8221; which he called &#8220;a good thing for all parties concerned, and a very good thing for the world.&#8221; While making clear that the U.S. would not tolerate Iran continuing its &#8220;destructive and destabilizing behavior in the Middle East,&#8221; Trump announced new economic sanctions on Iran, indicating that the U.S. would not retaliate militarily for the strikes.
“For far too long, all the way back to 1979, to be exact, nations have tolerated Iran’s destructive and destabilizing behavior in the Middle East. Those days are over,” Trump said. “Iran has been the leading state sponsor of terrorism, and their pursuit of nuclear weapons threatens the civilized world. We will never let that happen.”
Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/iran-sent-messages-through-three-back-channels-to-u-s-after-attack-to-say-they-were-done">Iran Sent Messages Through ‘Three Back Channels’ To U.S. After Attack To Say They Were Done</a>
</div>

USS Farragut

WATCH: Russian Warship ‘Aggressively’ Approaches American Destroyer In North Arabian Sea

The U.S. Navy&#039;s Middle East-based fleet revealed Friday that a Russian warship &quot;aggressively approached&quot; the USS Farragut destroyer in the North Arabian

WATCH: Russian Warship ‘Aggressively’ Approaches American Destroyer In North Arabian Sea | The Daily Wire

https://www.dailywire.com/news/watch-russian-warship-aggressively-approaches-american-destroyer-in-north-arabian-sea/

https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2020/01/USS-Farragut.jpg

Omari Faulkner

Former State Dept Official, Georgetown Basketball Player, Launches GOP U.S. Senate Run

Omari Faulker

Virginia

Omari Faulkner, a former U.S. diplomat and lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Reserves, announced late last year that he was launching a bid for U.S Senate as a

Former State Dept Official, Georgetown Basketball Player, Launches GOP U.S. Senate Run | The Daily Wire

https://www.dailywire.com/news/former-state-dept-official-georgetown-basketball-player-launches-gop-u-s-senate-run/

https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2020/01/Omari-Faulkner.jpg

As reported by <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/media-smears-army-navy-cadets-accuses-them-of-flashing-white-power-symbols">The Daily Wire</a> last weekend, media figures circulated a &#8220;white power&#8221; smear against a group of U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Naval Academy cadets when the two service academies played each other in their annual rivalry football game on December 14.
After some of the players flashed a circle with two of their fingers in camera shots, as part of what&#8217;s called the &#8220;circle game,&#8221; <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2019/12/14/army-navy-students-make-white-power-sign-on-espn-broadcast/2651114001/">USA Today</a> claimed the &#8220;students appeared to make the White Power hand symbol.&#8221;
Now, an internal U.S. Military Academy investigation that concluded today has confirmed that the Army and Navy cadets are not white supremacists, but were indeed &#8220;playing a common game, popular among teenagers today, known as the &#8216;circle game&#8217; and the intent was not associated with ideologies or movements that are contrary to the Army values.&#8221;
Though no harmful intent was found, cadets involved in the game &#8220;will receive appropriate administrative and/or disciplinary actions,&#8221; according to the academy.
&#8220;The U.S. Military Academy announced today it has concluded an internal investigation of the cadets who displayed hand gestures during a broadcast of ESPN College GameDay at the Army-Navy game Dec. 14,&#8221; said a <a href="https://www.westpoint.edu/news/press-releases/results-investigation-hand-gestures">statement</a> from West Point. &#8220;The investigating officer concluded that the cadets were playing a common game, popular among teenagers today, known as the &#8216;circle game&#8217; and the intent was not associated with ideologies or movements that are contrary to the Army values.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
The investigating officer concluded that the cadets were playing a common game, popular among teenagers today, known as the “circle game” and the intent was not associated with ideologies or movements that are contrary to the Army values.
&mdash; U.S. Military Academy (@WestPoint_USMA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WestPoint_USMA/status/1208091754261430273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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“We investigated this matter thoroughly. Last Saturday we had reason to believe these actions were an innocent game and not linked to extremism, but we must take allegations such as these very seriously,&#8221; said Lt. Gen. Darryl A. Williams, 60th superintendent, U.S. Military Academy. 
&#8220;We are disappointed by the immature behavior of the cadets,&#8221; he noted.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
&quot;We are disappointed by the immature behavior of the cadets,&quot; said Williams.
&mdash; U.S. Military Academy (@WestPoint_USMA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WestPoint_USMA/status/1208091756668977152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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According to the academy, the &#8220;circle game&#8221; started in the stands before ESPN cameras panned to the players.
Navy and Army cadets involved with the game &#8220;will receive appropriate administrative and/or disciplinary actions,&#8221; the statement said.
“We develop leaders of character who serve to defend our nation and the American people, and we expect our cadets to lead and live honorably and demonstrate excellence. Leading and living honorably means to act in a professional manner at all times,” Mr. Williams added.
“The United States Military Academy ordered this investigation after reports suggesting racist gestures may have been displayed by cadets at the Army-Navy game,&#8221; explained Gen. James C. McConville, the Chief of Staff of the Army. &#8220;Racist statements, gestures and symbols have no place in our Army.&#8221;
&#8220;The investigation determined there was no racist intent by cadets,&#8221; McConville added. &#8220;The American people trust our Soldiers to do the right things the right way. We must be mindful of behavior which brings that trust into question and ensure our actions meet the high ethical and professional standards our nation expects the American Soldier to uphold.”
As noted by The Daily Wire, left-wing activists worked with the media to perpetuate the untrue, harmful claim against the cadets.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
As an American, As a Navy Dad, As a decent human being&#8230;
&#8230;you hate to see racist West Point cadets emboldened by the presence of the Racist-inChief at an <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ArmyNavyGame?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ArmyNavyGame</a> to throw up the &quot;White Power&quot; sign on national TV.
Disgusting. <a href="https://t.co/4LbB5Veoa7">pic.twitter.com/4LbB5Veoa7</a>
&mdash; BrooklynDad_Defiant! (@mmpadellan) <a href="https://twitter.com/mmpadellan/status/1205985190260199424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/media-smears-army-navy-cadets-accuses-them-of-flashing-white-power-symbols">Media Smears Army, Navy Cadets, Accuses Them Of Flashing White Power Symbols</a>

Army v Navy

Investigation Results Announced Following ‘White Power’ Media Smear Of Army, Navy Cadets

Media

Media Bias

U.S. Army

As reported by The Daily Wire last weekend, media figures circulated a &quot;white power&quot; smear against a group of U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Naval Academy

Investigation Results Announced Following &#039;White Power&#039; Media Smear Of Army, Navy Cadets | The Daily Wire

https://www.dailywire.com/news/breaking-investigation-results-announced-following-white-power-media-smear-of-army-navy-cadets/

https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2019/12/GettyImages-1193989441.jpg

U.S. Military Academy officials are now investigating the possible use of a &#8220;white power&#8221; or &#8220;white supremacist&#8221; symbol during the annual Army-Navy football game, which took place Saturday.
<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/media-smears-army-navy-cadets-accuses-them-of-flashing-white-power-symbols">The Daily Wire reported Saturday evening</a> that far-left activists and sympathetic members of the mainstream media accused West Point cadets and U.S. Naval Academy midshipmen, standing in formation during the game, of repeatedly flashing &#8220;OK&#8221; hand signals &#8212; a &#8220;O&#8221; made with the thumb and forefinger &#8212; when they were on camera during the event.
One far-left activist started the ball rolling, tweeting that the &#8220;presence of the Racist-in-Chief&#8221; (President Donald Trump) at the Army-Navy game &#8220;emboldened&#8221; cadets to share a &#8220;white power&#8221; symbol on national television. The activist and ardent Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) supporter, according to his profile, also shared a clip, recorded off a television, of the actual incident. The clip shows a West Point cadet holding an upside-down &#8220;OK&#8221; symbol over a fellow cadet&#8217;s shoulder.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
As an American, As a Navy Dad, As a decent human being&#8230;
&#8230;you hate to see racist West Point cadets emboldened by the presence of the Racist-inChief at an <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ArmyNavyGame?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ArmyNavyGame</a> to throw up the &quot;White Power&quot; sign on national TV.
Disgusting. <a href="https://t.co/4LbB5Veoa7">pic.twitter.com/4LbB5Veoa7</a>
&mdash; BrooklynDad_Defiant! (@mmpadellan) <a href="https://twitter.com/mmpadellan/status/1205985190260199424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Members of the media quickly piled on, as did several anti-racism groups, including the Anti-Defamation League, which even shared an &#8220;explainer&#8221; on social media, demonstrating how the &#8220;OK&#8221; symbol could be read to indicate &#8220;white power.&#8221;
Plenty of others on social media responded, pointing out that the cadet was probably playing the &#8220;circle game&#8221; &#8212; which challenges players to throw a &#8220;circle&#8221; symbol in such a way as to force other players to notice the gesture &#8212; and not actually expressing support for &#8220;white power.&#8221; Others chided the activists, members of the media, and anti-racism groups for falling for a &#8220;hoax&#8221; perpetrated by key &#8220;trolls&#8221; and members of 4chan.
A senior White House official called the twitter war a &#8220;smear campaign.&#8221;
&#8220;Former senior White House adviser Cliff Sims wrote: &#8216;Here we go again. This time it’s @ByMikeBrehm of @usatodaysports trying to ruin the lives of cadets for playing the circle game, because in some alternate reality they just MUST be white supremacists. At some point someone’s gotta bring a defamation case against these lunatics,'&#8221; The Daily Wire&#8217;s Ryan Saavedra reported Saturday.
Sunday morning, <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/west-point-annapolis-officials-investigating-possible-white-power-hand-sign-11576373230?shareToken=stcd18bec8aba6400586703b81fd788832">officials with West Point and the U.S. Naval Academy told the Wall Street Journal</a> that they are investigating the incident.
&#8220;West Point and Annapolis officials are trying to determine the motives of service academy students who flashed hand signs on national television Saturday that in certain contexts are associated with &#8216;white power,'&#8221; the WSJ reported.
&#8220;The hand sign appeared to be displayed both by West Point cadets and Annapolis midshipmen during a broadcast of the annual Army-Navy football game in Philadelphia, but U.S. Military Academy officials haven’t yet determined their intent, according to a West Point spokesman. A U.S. Naval Academy spokeswoman said the academy is also checking on the matter,&#8221; the outlet continued.
The WSJ&#8217;s story makes it appear as though military academy officials were obligated to launch an inquiry, perhaps concerned about fallout. Last year, the story indicates, a member of the U.S. Coast Guard used the symbol on national television, sparking a similar firestorm. That Coast Guard officer received an official reprimand.

army navy

U.S. Military Academy Officials Now Investigating ‘White Supremacist’ Symbol Flashed At Army-Navy Game

White Supremacy

U.S. Military Academy officials are now investigating the possible use of a &quot;white power&quot; or &quot;white supremacist&quot; symbol during the annual Army-Navy

U.S. Military Academy Officials Now Investigating &#039;White Supremacist&#039; Symbol Flashed At Army-Navy Game | The Daily Wire

https://www.dailywire.com/news/us-military-academy-officials-now-investigating-white-supremacist-symbol-flashed-at-army-navy-game/

https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2019/12/GettyImages-1188750410.jpg

Left-wing media publications were quick to smear a group of Army and Navy cadets on Saturday as the two service academies squared off on the gridiron in what is an intense football rivalry, accusing a group of them of flashing &#8220;white power&#8221; signs.
USA Today&#8217;s Mike Brehm <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2019/12/14/army-navy-students-make-white-power-sign-on-espn-broadcast/2651114001/">reported</a>:
<blockquote>
Questions erupted during the Army-Navy game in Philadelphia when students appeared to make the White Power hand symbol during a pregame broadcast.
Spokespersons from the U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Naval Academy told USA TODAY Sports they have been made aware of the issue – which blossomed on social media as the game wore on – and the schools are looking into it.
</blockquote>
Far-left activists posted close-up videos of television screens showing what they claimed was the cadets flashing the white power sign.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
As an American, As a Navy Dad, As a decent human being&#8230;
&#8230;you hate to see racist West Point cadets emboldened by the presence of the Racist-inChief at an <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ArmyNavyGame?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ArmyNavyGame</a> to throw up the &quot;White Power&quot; sign on national TV.
Disgusting. <a href="https://t.co/4LbB5Veoa7">pic.twitter.com/4LbB5Veoa7</a>
&mdash; BrooklynDad_Defiant! (@mmpadellan) <a href="https://twitter.com/mmpadellan/status/1205985190260199424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Others urged their followers to make the photos and videos go viral on Twitter, which quickly happened as &#8220;#WhitePower&#8221; and &#8220;West Point&#8221; began trending nationally on the left-wing tech platform.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
So many white people on here are calling me the N word, and other awful things. 
I am a strong black Muslim woman. Nothing can bring me down. I will always speak up against racism. 😊 <a href="https://t.co/WOAXZU3x8Z">https://t.co/WOAXZU3x8Z</a>
&mdash; Hamdia Ahmed (@hamdia_ahmed) <a href="https://twitter.com/hamdia_ahmed/status/1206018002946347008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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There was strong pushback against the smear attempts, with many noting that the cadets were playing the &#8220;circle game.&#8221;
Former senior White House adviser Cliff Sims wrote: &#8220;Here we go again. This time it’s @ByMikeBrehm of @usatodaysports trying to ruin the lives of cadets for playing the circle game, because in some alternate reality they just MUST be white supremacists. At some point someone’s gotta bring a defamation case against these lunatics.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Here we go again. This time it’s <a href="https://twitter.com/ByMikeBrehm?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ByMikeBrehm</a> of <a href="https://twitter.com/usatodaysports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@usatodaysports</a> trying to ruin the lives of cadets for playing the circle game, because in some alternate reality they just MUST be white supremacists. At some point someone’s gotta bring a defamation case against these lunatics. <a href="https://t.co/2Y8iaB1kVw">https://t.co/2Y8iaB1kVw</a>
&mdash; Cliff Sims (@Cliff_Sims) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cliff_Sims/status/1206043044736311298?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Popular sports analyst Clay Travis tweeted: &#8220;Good lord. They were playing the circle game. America has gone insane.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Good lord. They were playing the circle game. America has gone insane. <a href="https://t.co/jixG99ftmX">pic.twitter.com/jixG99ftmX</a>
&mdash; Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) <a href="https://twitter.com/ClayTravis/status/1206056445755740165?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Curt Schilling wrote: &#8220;This is just idiotic. It&#8217;s a bunch of guys playing the circle game about 10 years after their friends all stopped. But ya, let&#8217;s make it out to be racist, since everything else you see and hear is as well.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
This is just idiotic. It&#39;s a bunch of guys playing the circle game about 10 years after their friends all stopped. But ya, let&#39;s make it out to be racist, since everything else you see and hear is as well <a href="https://t.co/0tcDjTZeDg">https://t.co/0tcDjTZeDg</a>
&mdash; Curt Schilling (@gehrig38) <a href="https://twitter.com/gehrig38/status/1206045557120208897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Others, like left-wing activist Christine Teigen tried to suggest that the hand gesture was spurred on by Trump administration officials and were ultimately mocked.
&#8220;Let’s pretend for a second these people really are doing the white power/white nationalism hand gesture,&#8221; Teigen tweeted. &#8220;What does it even do for anyone? Do you get points for each time it’s seen like? Is there a boss out there keeping score? Or is it like paging someone?&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
They scored plenty of points too if that’s the criteria <a href="https://t.co/yfpLlBHCST">pic.twitter.com/yfpLlBHCST</a>
&mdash; Cabot Phillips (@cabot_phillips) <a href="https://twitter.com/cabot_phillips/status/1205961907410231296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Austen Fletcher responded to Teigen by writing on Twitter: &#8220;Exactly. It does/means nothing. It’s not a real thing. You figured it out.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Exactly. It does/means nothing. It’s not a real thing. You figured it out. <a href="https://t.co/wbWsW0CMCt">https://t.co/wbWsW0CMCt</a>
&mdash; Austen Fletcher (@fleccas) <a href="https://twitter.com/fleccas/status/1206015171757400064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Attorney Kurt Schlichter issued a warning to the media, writing on Twitter: &#8220;This is a warning to the media&#8230; If you Convington the cadets, you will be held accountable in court in front of a jury and not in your comfortable, sympathetic blue enclave venue. Do not participate in the defamation of these American heroes.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
This is a warning to the media&#8230;
If you Convington the cadets, you will be held accountable in court in front of a jury and not in your comfortable, sympathetic blue enclave venue.
Do not participate in the defamation of these American heroes.<a href="https://twitter.com/RonColeman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RonColeman</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/pnjaban?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@pnjaban</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Barnes_Law?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Barnes_Law</a>
&mdash; Kurt Schlichter (@KurtSchlichter) <a href="https://twitter.com/KurtSchlichter/status/1206025489707462656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
And cadet libeled by the garbage media in Covington 2: OK Sign Boogaloo needs to contact:<a href="https://twitter.com/RonColeman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RonColeman</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/pnjaban?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@pnjaban</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Barnes_Law?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Barnes_Law</a> 
or another attorney who can fully vindicate a defamed plaintiff&#39;s rights.
&mdash; Kurt Schlichter (@KurtSchlichter) <a href="https://twitter.com/KurtSchlichter/status/1206023815622356992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Many people on social media were quick to point out the double standard that the media and far-left activists were using to smear the cadets by highlighting politicians on the political Left who use the same hand gesture, like socialist Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), who posts photos of herself using the gesture on her verified social media accounts:
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 <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/inE7khShXs/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Happy (soon-to-be) New Year from 20,000 feet!</a>
<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ocasio2018/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez</a> (@ocasio2018) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2014-01-01T03:07:53+00:00">Dec 31, 2013 at 7:07pm PST</time>
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This is a developing news story; refresh the page for updates.

Media Smears Army, Navy Cadets, Accuses Them Of Flashing White Power Symbols

Left-wing media publications were quick to smear a group of Army and Navy cadets on Saturday as the two service academies squared off on the gridiron in

Media Smears Army, Navy Cadets, Accuses Them Of Flashing White Power Symbols | The Daily Wire

https://www.dailywire.com/news/media-smears-army-navy-cadets-accuses-them-of-flashing-white-power-symbols/

FBI officials have detained nearly a dozen Saudi nationals and are searching for several others after a member of the Saudi military opened fire on the Naval Air Station (NAS) in Pensacola, Florida, on Friday killing three and wounding several others.
Sources told The Associated Press that three students attended the dinner party, and that one of those students recorded a video of the attacker committing the attack as it happened.
&#8220;Two other Saudi students watched from a car,&#8221; the AP reported. &#8220;Ten Saudi students were being held on the base Saturday while several others were unaccounted for, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity after being briefed by federal authorities.&#8221;
President Donald Trump responded to the attack, writing: &#8220;King Salman of Saudi Arabia just called to express his sincere condolences and give his sympathies to the families and friends of the warriors who were killed and wounded in the attack that took place in Pensacola, Florida. The King said that the Saudi people are greatly angered by the barbaric actions of the shooter, and that this person in no way shape or form represents the feelings of the Saudi people who love the American people.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
&#8230;.The King said that the Saudi people are greatly angered by the barbaric actions of the shooter, and that this person in no way shape or form represents the feelings of the Saudi people who love the American people.
&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1203030941108711424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
CNN noted the gravity of the phone call that Trump had because it was with King Salman not his son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
&#8220;Compared to Saudi Arabia&#8217;s often glacial standards, the 83-year-old monarch moved with remarkable speed to call Trump,&#8221; CNN <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/07/world/us-saudi-relationship/index.html">reported</a>. &#8220;The king quickly instructed his own security services to cooperate fully with US investigators into the shooting in which three people were killed at Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida.&#8221;
The FBI requested more information from the public about the alleged attacker, tweeting: &#8220;The NAS Pensacola shooter is identified as Saudi national Mohammed Alshamrani. Anyone with information regarding his activites is encouraged to call 1-800-CALL-FBI. FBI Jacksonville is not aware of any credible threat toward the Pensacola community at this time.&#8221;
The Daily Wire normally does not publish names and photographs of alleged mass shooters but is doing so in this case since federal law enforcement officials are asking for the public&#8217;s assistance in gathering information about the attacker.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
The NAS Pensacola shooter is identified as Saudi national Mohammed Alshamrani. Anyone with information regarding his activites is encouraged to call 1-800-CALL-FBI. FBI Jacksonville is not aware of any credible threat toward the Pensacola community at this time. <a href="https://t.co/RNc8ZL89WS">pic.twitter.com/RNc8ZL89WS</a>
&mdash; FBI Jacksonville (@FBIJacksonville) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBIJacksonville/status/1203502630531715076?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/breaking-six-saudis-taken-into-custody-after-saudi-military-member-shoots-up-u-s-military-base">said</a> on Friday that the alleged Saudi military official who committed the attack had committed an act of terrorism.
“Major news organizations are now reporting the information that we began to learn earlier this morning that it was a Saudi Arabian military official in Pensacola, in our community for training, who committed these murderous acts and this terrible, terrible violence at NAS Pensacola,” Gaetz said. “I think it’s important for us to know a little bit about why Saudi Arabian officials are in our community.”
“This event represents a serious failure in the vetting process and in the way in which we invite these people into our community,” Gaetz continued. “So today, as we learn more as the investigation continues to unfold … I’m going to be very active in working with the Department of Defense and the Department of State to ensure that we have extreme vetting for the people that come into our country on our bases and in our communities.”
“If this were a murder, it would typically be investigated by NCIS … but this was not a murder,” Gaetz later added. “This was an act of terrorism and as we speak the investigation is being handed over from the NCIS to the FBI, that is the signal that this will now be treated by our government as an act of terrorism, not a murder.”

Shooting On Naval Air Station Pensacola Leaves Multiple Dead And Injured

FBI Detains 10 Saudis After Attack, Searching For More After Attacker Had Party To Watch Mass Shooting Videos

Saudi

Saudi Arabia

Shooting

FBI officials have detained nearly a dozen Saudi nationals and are searching for several others after a member of the Saudi military opened fire on the

FBI Detains 10 Saudis After Attack, Searching For More After Attacker Had Party To Watch Mass Shooting Videos | The Daily Wire

https://www.dailywire.com/news/fbi-detains-10-saudis-after-attack-searching-for-more-after-attacker-had-party-to-watch-mass-shooting-videos/

https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2019/12/GettyImages-1192348387.jpg

Top Democrats called for restricting Americans&#8217; constitutionally protected Second Amendment rights on Friday in response to an alleged Saudi Arabian military official opening fire and killing several people at a U.S. naval base in Florida.
Several of the 2020 Democrat presidential candidates, including a couple of the top-tier contenders, rushed to politicize the attack.
<ul>
<li>Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) <a href="https://twitter.com/ewarren/status/1202980913296089090">tweeted</a>: &#8220;Pearl Harbor. Pensacola. Not even our military bases are safe from gun violence. I&#8217;m heartsick for the victims and their families. We must end this epidemic and protect the lives of our service members.&#8221;</li>
<li>South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteButtigieg/status/1202991768700100608">tweeted</a>: &#8220;While we wait for more information, my thoughts are with the victims and their families. Service members and the dedicated civilians who support them deserve nothing less than safety on American soil and communities free from gun violence. Enough.&#8221;</li>
<li>Former San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro <a href="https://twitter.com/JulianCastro/status/1203010902536138752">tweeted</a>: &#8220;Not even our military bases are safe from mass shootings. From Pearl Harbor to Pensacola, gun violence is destroying our communities. My deepest condolences to the grieving families. This can&#8217;t be the world we want our kids to grow up in. We must act.&#8221;</li>
<li>Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) tweeted: &#8220;The shooting in Pensacola has wounded several people and taken the lives of at least three victims. This is the second shooting to happen this week at a Navy base. As we learn more about the situation, there’s one thing we know: Gun violence just has to stop.&#8221;</li>
<li>Marianne Williamson, who is surprisingly still in the race, <a href="https://twitter.com/marwilliamson/status/1203003890804953088">tweeted</a>: &#8220;What will it take to wage peace? It will take outer work and it will also take inner work. It will take regulating our guns and it will also take regulating our hearts.&#8221;</li>
</ul>
In-depth profile pieces on the 2020 Democratic presidential candidates from Daily Wire Editor-at-Large Josh Hammer have previously highlighted the gun policies of the aforementioned candidates:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/where-does-elizabeth-warren-stand-issues-heres-josh-hammer">Warren</a>:  Warren has frequently supported gun control policies that would infringe upon Americans’ Second American rights. She supports expanded background checks, limitations or bans on certain weapons and magazines that are currently in wide distribution, and supports controversial “red flag” gun legislation. Warren supports a ban on the undefinable sub-class of firearms referred to as so-called “assault weapons” — a line of thought that, if taken to its logical conclusion, could <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/42837/hammer-kamala-harriss-flirtation-banning-all-semi-josh-hammer">lead to the banning of all semi-automatic firearms in America</a>.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/where-does-pete-buttigieg-stand-issues-heres-josh-hammer">Buttigieg</a>: Buttigieg supports “universal” background checks, thereby requiring a government intermediary for all private transfers of firearms. He is a member of Mayors Against Illegal Guns, a consortium of pro-gun control mayors. Buttigieg supports a <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/buttigieg-endorses-nationwide-gun-licensing-system">national gun registry</a>, which is a longstanding policy nemesis of Second Amendment supporters. He supports banning the undefinable sub-class of firearms referred to as so-called “assault weapons” — a line of thought that, if taken to its logical conclusion, could <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/42837/hammer-kamala-harriss-flirtation-banning-all-semi-josh-hammer">lead to the banning of all semi-automatic firearms in America</a>.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/where-does-julian-castro-stand-issues-heres-josh-hammer">Castro</a>: Castro has frequently espoused support for gun control policies that would infringe upon Americans’ Second American rights. He supports expanded background checks and limitations or bans on certain weapons and magazines that are currently in wide distribution. Castro <a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/what-does-julian-castro-believe-where-the-candidate-stands-on-8-issues">supports a ban</a> on the undefinable sub-class of firearms referred to as so-called “assault weapons” — a line of thought that, if taken to its logical conclusion, could <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/42837/hammer-kamala-harriss-flirtation-banning-all-semi-josh-hammer">lead to the banning of all semi-automatic firearms in America</a>.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/where-does-amy-klobuchar-stand-issues-heres-josh-hammer">Klobuchar</a>: Despite her representation of a largely rural state, Klobuchar has a historically poor record on Second Amendment issues. Klobuchar supports “universal” background checks, which often serve as a rhetorical euphemism for the government serving as an intermediary in all private firearms transfers. She <a href="https://amyklobuchar.com/issues/a-safer-world/">supports</a> a ban on the undefinable sub-class of firearms referred to as so-called “assault weapons” — a line of thought that, if taken to its logical conclusion, could lead to the <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/42837/hammer-kamala-harriss-flirtation-banning-all-semi-josh-hammer">banning of all semi-automatic firearms in America</a>.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/where-does-marianne-williamson-stand-issues-heres-josh-hammer">Williamson</a>: Williamson supports <a href="http://www.marianne2020.com/issues/gun-control">many policies</a> that would infringe upon Americans’ Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms. She supports expanded background checks and limitations or bans on certain weapons and magazines that are currently in wide distribution. Williamson <a href="https://www.marianne2020.com/issues/gun-control">supports a ban</a> on the undefinable sub-class of firearms referred to as so-called “assault weapons” — a line of thought that, if taken to its logical conclusion, <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/42837/hammer-kamala-harriss-flirtation-banning-all-semi-josh-hammer">could lead to the banning of all semi-automatic firearms in America</a>.</li>
</ul>
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) said in response to the attack that the attack was not merely murder, but &#8220;an act of terrorism.&#8221;
“If this were a murder, it would typically be investigated by NCIS … but this was not a murder,” Gaetz <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/breaking-attacker-at-florida-military-base-was-member-of-saudi-military-was-an-act-of-terrorism-congressman-says">said</a>. “This was an act of terrorism and as we speak the investigation is being handed over from the NCIS to the FBI, that is the signal that this will now be treated by our government as an act of terrorism, not a murder.”
“Major news organizations are now reporting the information that we began to learn earlier this morning that it was a Saudi Arabian military official in Pensacola, in our community for training, who committed these murderous acts and this terrible, terrible violence at NAS Pensacola,” Gaetz added. “This event represents a serious failure in the vetting process and in the way in which we invite these people into our community. So today, as we learn more as the investigation continues to unfold … I’m going to be very active in working with the Department of Defense and the Department of State to ensure that we have extreme vetting for the people that come into our country on our bases and in our communities.”

Elizabeth Warren

Democrats Call For Restricting Americans’ Freedoms After Saudi Military Official Attacks U.S. Military Base

2020 Election

Democratic Party

Florida

Gun Control

Guns

Second Amendment

Top Democrats called for restricting Americans&#039; constitutionally protected Second Amendment rights on Friday in response to an alleged Saudi Arabian

Democrats Call For Restricting Americans&#039; Freedoms After Saudi Military Official Attacks U.S. Military Base | The Daily Wire

https://www.dailywire.com/news/democrats-call-for-restricting-americans-freedoms-after-saudi-military-official-attacks-u-s-military-base/

https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2019/12/Elizabeth-Warren-1.jpg

The news that the deceased suspect of this morning&#8217;s <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/breaking-active-shooter-at-pensacola-naval-air-base-at-least-5-rushed-to-hospital-shooter-confirmed-dead">horrific shooting spree</a> at Naval Air Station Pensacola was a Saudi aviation student here to <a href="https://www.nationalreview.com/news/authorities-identify-pensacola-naval-base-shooter-as-saudi-national">train with the Saudi military</a> ought to serve as a wakeup call for American elected officials.
The suspect appears to have been a <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/breaking-attacker-at-florida-military-base-was-member-of-saudi-military-was-an-act-of-terrorism-congressman-says">student officer</a> with the Saudi Air Force and, while it is unclear right now which U.S. visa he obtained to arrive here, an <a href="https://twitter.com/RMConservative/status/1203012127952449541">A-2 visa</a> — <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/other-visa-categories/visas-diplomats.html">described</a> by the U.S. State Department as appropriate for those &#8220;traveling to the United States on behalf of [his/her] national government to engage solely in official activities for that government&#8221; — is perhaps likely . As The Daily Wire has <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/breaking-active-shooter-at-pensacola-naval-air-base-at-least-5-rushed-to-hospital-shooter-confirmed-dead">reported</a>, there are at least ten victims injured, including three dead.
There is a lot to unpack and unravel here — especially for <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/hammer-us-must-side-saudi-arabia-against-iranian-josh-hammer">those of us</a> who have generally encouraged closer U.S.-Saudi military ties in order to help deter the far greater Middle East terrorism threat, Iran. This developing story has many moving parts, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ought to be prepared for a Jamal Khashoggi-level public relations blowback when even a stalwart pro-Israel/anti-Iran conservative such as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has an <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCNightlyNews/status/1203029174753153025">immediate reaction</a> that the Saudi government &#8220;needs to [financially] make things better for these victims.&#8221; Indeed, it is hard to disagree with the governor.
But the focus here must be on immigration policy. As The Daily Wire&#8217;s Ryan Saavedra already <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/breaking-attacker-at-florida-military-base-was-member-of-saudi-military-was-an-act-of-terrorism-congressman-says">reported</a>, hardline conservative Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) has opined that today&#8217;s naval base tragedy &#8220;represents a serious failure in the vetting process and in the way in which we invite &#8230; people into our community.&#8221; Gaetz vowed to help &#8220;ensure that we have extreme vetting for the people that come into our country on our bases and in our communities.&#8221;
This is obviously correct. And it is important that this, and not a short-sighted hard diplomatic pivot away from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman at a time when the uniquely evil Iranian regime is yet again on the proverbial ropes and facing an increasingly restive population, become the preeminent takeaway from today&#8217;s horrific incident.
Why, as I <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/hammer-never-forget-911-we-need-rethink-how-we-josh-hammer">lamented</a> on the most recent anniversary of the 9/11 jihadist attacks, has the U.S. continued to implement an exceedingly generous and lax immigration policy for prospective immigrants from the broader Islamic world? While there will always be dispensations for legal immigration from the Islamic world, why are we not starting from a default baseline level of effectively zero? Our much-ballyhooed &#8220;vetting&#8221; procedures are oftentimes, as was tragically the case today, revealed to be exceedingly inadequate. But hey, in fairness, <a href="https://twitter.com/josh_hammer/status/1203010783958982657">how would we ever have known</a> to keep a close eye on Saudi aviation students? It&#8217;s not like we&#8217;ve had <a href="https://twitter.com/Sultanknish/status/1203014470525542400">previous noteworthy incidents</a>, right?
Policymakers ought to heed the unassailable wisdom of the <a href="https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1213676/m1/6/?q=cornerstone">9/11 Commission Report</a>: &#8220;It is perhaps obvious to state that terrorists cannot plan and carry out attacks in the United States if they are unable to enter the country.&#8221; Heck, does anyone even remember that 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammad, according to former CIA contractor James Mitchell, <a href="https://thehill.com/policy/national-security/307362-9-11-mastermind-al-qaeda-to-use-immigration-to-end-us">allegedly believes</a> that &#8220;the &#8216;practical&#8217; way to defeat America [is] through immigration?&#8221;
Immigration policy is national security policy. And that extends to both illegal immigration and legal immigration. Our policymakers ought to not forget that.

US visa, vintage map and passport background

HAMMER: REMINDER: Immigration Policy IS National Security Policy

Immigration

Matt Gaetz

Muslim Immigration

National Security

Radical Islam

Radical Islamic Terror

Ron DeSantis

The news that the deceased suspect of this morning&#039;s horrific shooting spree at Naval Air Station Pensacola was a Saudi aviation student here to train

HAMMER: REMINDER: Immigration Policy IS National Security Policy | The Daily Wire

https://www.dailywire.com/news/hammer-reminder-immigration-policy-is-national-security-policy/

https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2019/12/GettyImages-184940708.jpg

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) said on Friday that the individual who opened fire at Naval Air Station Pensacola was a member of the Saudi military and that the attack &#8220;was an act of terrorism.&#8221;
The foreign national attacker killed at least <a href="https://www.pnj.com/story/news/2019/12/06/breaking-active-shooter-reported-base-nas-pensacola/4351773002/">three</a> people and injured several others who were sent to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Gaetz responded to the attack by calling for &#8220;extreme vetting&#8221; of those who are allowed into the United States and who train at U.S. military bases.
&#8220;Major news organizations are now reporting the information that we began to learn earlier this morning that it was a Saudi Arabian military official in Pensacola, in our community for training, who committed these murderous acts and this terrible, terrible violence at NAS Pensacola,&#8221; Gaetz said. &#8220;I think it&#8217;s important for us to know a little bit about why Saudi Arabian officials are in our community.&#8221;
&#8220;Training is a critical part of the mission that we engage in in NAS Pensacola,&#8221; Gaetz continued. &#8220;One way that we leverage that training is to ensure that our allies around the world are capable and familiar with U.S. systems, that they&#8217;re comfortable working with U.S. officers, and that we have an interoperability in our lexicon and in the way we engage in battle.&#8221;
&#8220;This event represents a serious failure in the vetting process and in the way in which we invite these people into our community,&#8221; Gaetz continued. &#8220;So today, as we learn more as the investigation continues to unfold &#8230; I&#8217;m going to be very active in working with the Department of Defense and the Department of State to ensure that we have extreme vetting for the people that come into our country on our bases and in our communities.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
We&#39;re learning a Saudi Arabian military member in Pensacola committed these murders.
I&#39;m working with the <a href="https://twitter.com/DeptofDefense?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DeptofDefense</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/StateDept?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@StateDept</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/DHSgov?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DHSgov</a> to ensure there&#39;s extreme vetting for people who come to our country and train on our bases. <a href="https://t.co/LUhSE6UAHO">pic.twitter.com/LUhSE6UAHO</a>
&mdash; Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepMattGaetz/status/1203019241626185730?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
In a subsequent tweet that featured a video of Gaetz appearing on CNN, Gaetz wrote: &#8220;This was not a murder. This was an act of terrorism.&#8221;
&#8220;If this were a murder, it would typically be investigated by NCIS &#8230; but this was not a murder,&#8221; Gaetz said. &#8220;This was an act of terrorism and as we speak the investigation is being handed over from the NCIS to the FBI, that is the signal that this will now be treated by our government as an act of terrorism, not a murder.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
This was not a murder. This was an act of terrorism. <a href="https://t.co/AJfTQOOE68">pic.twitter.com/AJfTQOOE68</a>
&mdash; Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepMattGaetz/status/1203025382632546305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The U.S. Navy confirmed on Twitter that the attacker, who was an aviation student, is dead.
Heavy.com <a href="https://heavy.com/news/2019/12/mohammed-saeed-alshamrani/">noted</a> some of the history surrounding the military base, with respect to past incidents involving terrorism:
<blockquote>In the aftermath of the attacks on 9/11, Newsweek reported that three of the hijackers had the addresses on their driver’s licenses listed as being at NAS Pensacola. The article notes that Naval Air Station Pensacola is known as the “Cradle of U.S. Navy Aviation.”
The Navy Times reported in February 2016 that NAS Pensacola officials had increased security measures at the base, after the base had been known was “unusually open” for years.
The Pensacola News Journal reported in September 2019 the “new, top-secret classrooms” had been built on the base to counteract the threat caused by cyber terrorism.</blockquote>
UPDATE: This report has been updated to accurately state that the alleged attacker killed three individuals, not four. The fourth person who was killed was the alleged attacker.

Attacker At Florida Military Base Was Member Of Saudi Military, ‘Was An Act Of Terrorism,’ Congressman Says

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) said on Friday that the individual who opened fire at Naval Air Station Pensacola was a member of the Saudi military and that the

Attacker At Florida Military Base Was Member Of Saudi Military, ‘Was An Act Of Terrorism,’ Congressman Says | The Daily Wire

https://www.dailywire.com/news/breaking-attacker-at-florida-military-base-was-member-of-saudi-military-was-an-act-of-terrorism-congressman-says/

https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2019/12/GettyImages-1192329032.jpg

The Navy SEAL who killed Osama bin Laden supports President Trump&#8217;s decision to restore the rank of Eddie Gallagher, a fellow SEAL who was demoted after posing with the corpse of an Iraqi civilian.
Robert O&#8217;Neill, the SEAL credited with shooting bin Laden during the 2011 raid on his Abbottabad, Pakistan, compound also slapped &#8220;whiny&#8221; Pentagon officials who are criticizing Trump for stepping into the matter involving Gallagher.
&#8220;Everyone knows Gallagher will always be a SEAL &#8230; they&#8217;ll never be able to take that away from him,&#8221; O&#8217;Neill told The <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/navy-seal-who-shot-bin-laden-rips-pentagon-for-whiny-response-to-trumps-eddie-gallagher-move">Washington Examiner</a>. &#8220;It&#8217;s a special designation. SEALs go through the hardest training in the world &#8230; basically beating you up. It turns you into a special warrior.&#8221;
O&#8217;Neill also ripped the Navy for its &#8220;ridiculous” rules of engagement. “I’ve been saying it for a while now,” he said. “These current rules of engagement are going to get somebody killed.”
Gallagher received two Bronze Stars with V for valor and wears the prized Trident pin, signifying his membership in the elite SEALs unit. And he was unhappy that the Navy was seeking to take back the pin.
“This is all about ego and retaliation,” Gallagher said on <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/ego-and-retaliation-seal-eddie-gallagher-blasts-navy-secretary-for-meddling-in-his-case" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Fox News</a> over the weekend. “This has nothing to do with good order and discipline. They could have taken my Trident at any time they wanted.”
After learning that the Navy wanted to rescind the Trident pin, he offered to give his up, calling Pentagon officials backing the move &#8220;whiny.&#8221;
Trump has reportedly ordered that Gallagher be allowed to keep the Trident pin, which will allow him to retire as a SEAL.
Gallagher was acquitted of murder in the stabbing death of an Islamic State militant captive, but he was convicted of posing with the corpse. After the conviction, he was demoted.
Then Trump pardoned Gallagher.
&#8220;I think what I&#8217;m doing is sticking up for our armed forces. And there&#8217;s never been a president that&#8217;s going to stick up for them and has like I have,&#8221; Trump told reporters in the White House on Monday. “I will stick up for the warriors.”
In defending his pardon, Trump pointed to former President Barack Obama&#8217;s commutation of former Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning&#8217;s sentence, and also brought up Beau Bergdahl, who was was dishonorably discharged after being court marshaled for desertion.
&#8220;Some very unfair things were happening. You let Sgt. Bergdahl go. You let others go,&#8221; Trump said.
Navy Secretary Richard Spencer was fired by Trump on Friday after publicly disagreeing with the president.
&#8220;I no longer share the same understanding with the Commander in Chief who appointed me, in regards to the key principles of good order and discipline,&#8221; Spencer wrote in a letter. &#8220;I hereby acknowledge my termination as United States Secretary of the Navy.&#8221;
Gallagher will retire from active duty and will not take part in a review board over his conduct in 2017 while deployed, a Navy spokesman said late Monday, according to <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/navy-seal-gallagher-to-retire-from-active-duty-no-review-board">Fox News</a>.
“He’s a great guy. He’s a poster image of what a SEAL should be,” O’Neill said. “I’d go to war with him tomorrow.”
&nbsp;

Navy SEAL pin

SEAL Who Killed Bin Laden Backs Trump’s Decision To Restore Eddie Gallagher’s Rank

The Navy SEAL who killed Osama bin Laden supports President Trump&#039;s decision to restore the rank of Eddie Gallagher, a fellow SEAL who was demoted after

SEAL Who Killed Bin Laden Backs Trump’s Decision To Restore Eddie Gallagher’s Rank | The Daily Wire

https://www.dailywire.com/news/seal-who-killed-bin-laden-backs-trumps-decision-to-restore-eddie-gallaghers-rank/

https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2019/11/pin-2.jpg

President Donald Trump released a statement on Sunday about the firing of Navy Secretary Richard Spencer over the way he handled the case of Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher, saying that Spencer was terminated because matters &#8220;were not addressed&#8221; to the president&#8217;s satisfaction.
&#8220;I was not pleased with the way that Navy Seal Eddie Gallagher’s trial was handled by the Navy. He was treated very badly but, despite this, was completely exonerated on all major charges,&#8221; Trump <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1198746376420679680">tweeted</a>. &#8220;I then restored Eddie’s rank. Likewise, large cost overruns from past administration’s contracting procedures were not addressed to my satisfaction. Therefore, Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer’s services have been terminated by Secretary of Defense Mark Esper. I thank Richard for his service &amp; commitment.&#8221;
&#8220;Eddie will retire peacefully with all of the honors that he has earned, including his Trident Pin. Admiral and now Ambassador to Norway Ken Braithwaite will be nominated by me to be the new Secretary of the Navy,&#8221; Trump <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1198746377720909824">continued</a>. &#8220;A man of great achievement and success, I know Ken will do an outstanding job!&#8221;
Gallagher was &#8220;acquitted of charges earlier this year accusing him of shooting civilians, murdering a captive ISIS terrorist, and threatening Navy SEALs who reported him,&#8221; The Daily Wire <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/breaking-navy-secretary-who-opposed-trump-on-navy-seal-case-fired-for-dishonesty-and-undermining-the-military-justice-system">reported</a>.
However, Gallagher “was convicted of one charge: bringing discredit to the armed forces by posing for photos with the teenage captive’s dead body,” The New York Times <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/23/us/politics/navy-discipline-edward-gallagher.html">reported</a>. &#8220;Last Friday, Mr. Trump reversed that demotion, angering Navy officials, including the commander of the SEALs, Rear Adm. Collin Green, who had little choice but to accept the reversal. Nonetheless, they continued with their plans to eject Chief Gallagher from the unit.”
Spencer went around the back of Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper to privately talk to White House officials, to whom he proposed “that if they did not interfere with proceedings against Gallagher, then Spencer would ensure that Gallagher was able to retire as a Navy SEAL, with his Trident insignia,” The Washington Post <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2019/11/24/pentagon-chief-asks-navy-secretarys-resignation-over-private-proposal-navy-seals-case/">reported</a>.
When Esper found out about Spencer&#8217;s actions, he demanded his immediate resignation, which he received.
The U.S. Department of Defense said in a statement: “After Secretary Esper and Chairman Milley spoke with the Commander in Chief on Friday regarding the case of Gallagher, Secretary Esper learned that Secretary Spencer had previously and privately proposed to the White House – contrary to Spencer’s public position – to restore Gallagher’s rank and allow him to retire with his Trident pin. When recently asked by Secretary Esper, Secretary Spencer confirmed that despite multiple conversations on the Gallagher matter, Secretary Esper was never informed by Secretary Spencer of his private proposal.”
“Secretary Esper’s position with regard to UCMJ, disciplinary, and fitness for duty actions has always been that the process should be allowed to play itself out objectively and deliberately, in fairness to all parties,” the statement continued. “However, at this point, given the events of the last few days, Secretary Esper has directed that Gallagher retain his Trident pin. Secretary Esper will meet with Navy Under Secretary (now Acting Secretary) Thomas Modley and the Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Michael Gilday on Monday morning to discuss the way ahead.”
In a statement, Esper said, “I am deeply troubled by this conduct shown by a senior DOD official. Unfortunately, as a result I have determined that Secretary Spencer no longer has my confidence to continue in his position. I wish Richard well.”

Trump

Trump Releases Statement On Firing Of Navy Secretary For ‘Lack Of Candor,’ Status Of Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher

Eddie Gallagher

President Donald Trump released a statement on Sunday about the firing of Navy Secretary Richard Spencer over the way he handled the case of Navy SEAL

Trump Releases Statement On Firing Of Navy Secretary For ‘Lack Of Candor,’ Status Of Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher | The Daily Wire

https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-releases-statement-on-firing-of-navy-secretary-for-lack-of-candor-status-of-navy-seal-eddie-gallagher/

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The Trump administration fired Navy Secretary Richard Spencer on Sunday for a &#8220;lack of candor&#8221; in the handling of the case of Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher, who was acquitted of charges earlier this year accusing him of shooting civilians, murdering a captive ISIS terrorist, and threatening Navy SEALs who reported him.
As previously noted by <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-releases-statement-on-firing-of-navy-secretary-for-lack-of-candor-status-of-navy-seal-eddie-gallagher">The Daily Wire</a>, &#8220;Gallagher &#8216;was convicted of one charge: bringing discredit to the armed forces by posing for photos with the teenage captive’s dead body,&#8217; The New York Times <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/23/us/politics/navy-discipline-edward-gallagher.html">reported</a>. &#8216;Last Friday, Mr. Trump reversed that demotion, angering Navy officials, including the commander of the SEALs, Rear Adm. Collin Green, who had little choice but to accept the reversal. Nonetheless, they continued with their plans to eject Chief Gallagher from the unit.'&#8221;
The Times reported that Spencer had threatened to resign over the order from the commander-in-chief, however, Spencer denied that claim in a tweet, <a href="https://twitter.com/secnav76/status/1198387376889970689">writing</a>: &#8220;I would like to further state that in no way, shape, or form did I ever threaten to resign. That has been incorrectly reported in the press. I serve at the pleasure of the President.&#8221;
Spencer went around the back of Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper in privately talking to White House officials, proposing &#8220;that if they did not interfere with proceedings against Gallagher, then Spencer would ensure that Gallagher was able to retire as a Navy SEAL, with his Trident insignia,&#8221; The Washington Post <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2019/11/24/pentagon-chief-asks-navy-secretarys-resignation-over-private-proposal-navy-seals-case/">reported</a>.
Spencer&#8217;s actions led to Esper demanding his resignation on Sunday, which was promptly received.
The U.S. Department of Defense said in a statement: &#8220;After Secretary Esper and Chairman Milley spoke with the Commander in Chief on Friday regarding the case of Gallagher, Secretary Esper learned that Secretary Spencer had previously and privately proposed to the White House &#8212; contrary to Spencer&#8217;s public position &#8212; to restore Gallagher&#8217;s rank and allow him to retire with his Trident pin. When recently asked by Secretary Esper, Secretary Spencer confirmed that despite multiple conversations on the Gallagher matter, Secretary Esper was never informed by Secretary Spencer of his private proposal.&#8221;
&#8220;Secretary Esper&#8217;s position with regard to UCMJ, disciplinary, and fitness for duty actions has always been that the process should be allowed to play itself out objectively and deliberately, in fairness to all parties,&#8221; the statement continued. &#8220;However, at this point, given the events of the last few days, Secretary Esper has directed that Gallagher retain his Trident pin. Secretary Esper will meet with Navy Under Secretary (now Acting Secretary) Thomas Modley and the Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Michael Gilday on Monday morning to discuss the way ahead.&#8221;
The statement concluded, &#8220;Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper has asked for the resignation of Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer after losing trust and confidence in him regarding his lack of candor over conversations with the White House involving the handling of Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher.”
In a statement, Esper said, &#8220;I am deeply troubled by this conduct shown by a senior DOD official. Unfortunately, as a result I have determined that Secretary Spencer no longer has my confidence to continue in his position. I wish Richard well.&#8221;
Fox News reporter Jennifer Griffin wrote on Twitter: &#8220;In the end Navy Secretary Richard Spencer was not fired for standing up for military justice but for dishonesty and undermining the military justice system, according to a senior US official. He was fired for &#8216;lack of candor.'&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
In the end Navy Secretary Richard Spencer was not fired for standing up for military justice but for dishonesty and undermining the military justice system, according to a senior US official. He was fired for “lack of candor.”
&mdash; Jennifer Griffin (@JenGriffinFNC) <a href="https://twitter.com/JenGriffinFNC/status/1198739702695768066?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
&nbsp;

Richard Spencer

Navy Secretary Who Opposed Trump On Navy SEAL Case Fired For ‘Dishonesty And Undermining The Military Justice System’

The Trump administration fired Navy Secretary Richard Spencer on Sunday for a &quot;lack of candor&quot; in the handling of the case of Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher,

Navy Secretary Who Opposed Trump On Navy SEAL Case Fired For ‘Dishonesty And Undermining The Military Justice System’ | The Daily Wire

https://www.dailywire.com/news/breaking-navy-secretary-who-opposed-trump-on-navy-seal-case-fired-for-dishonesty-and-undermining-the-military-justice-system/

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