Two members of the House Armed Services Committee expressed frustration on Thursday that the U.S. Navy did not notify Congress when it dismissed the entire leadership team of a nuclear‑powered attack submarine following an underwater collision. The letter, signed by Rep. Joe Courtney of Connecticut and Rep. Adam Smith of Washington, argues the lack of communication undermines the Navy’s commitment to transparency and a productive working relationship with legislative oversight.
Recent removals raise questions
According to the lawmakers, the Navy removed the commander, the second‑in‑command, and the top enlisted sailor of the USS South Dakota submarine after the vessel struck an unknown object on the seabed. The service has not provided a public explanation, and officials declined to comment when approached for details.
In a separate incident, a defense official who spoke on condition of anonymity reported that the Navy relieved Cmdr. Caitlin Cunningham, commander of the USS Michael Murphy destroyer, in September. The destroyer is currently deployed to support operations against Iran in the Middle East. The official said the removal was due to a loss of confidence, and noted that Cunningham had held the post for less than a year. Historically, such personnel changes are announced within days, but the Navy again offered no comment.
Medical officer departure adds to the pattern
Republican Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota and Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla of California confirmed the departure of Dr. Brian Monahan, the Navy’s attending physician for Congress and the Supreme Court. Monahan, a rear admiral, had served nearly 18 years in the Office of the Attending Physician, providing emergency medical assistance to members of Congress, the Supreme Court, staff, and visitors. His exit was not publicly announced, and the Navy has opened an investigation into the circumstances.
Monahan occasionally appeared in the news for discussing the health of Sen. Mitch McConnell and for administering a COVID‑19 vaccine to then‑Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The lack of a formal statement about his departure continues the trend of limited disclosure.
Broader secrecy on military operations
The recent personnel actions occur amid an expanding pattern of restricted information sharing by U.S. military commands. U.S. Central Command, which oversees Middle‑East operations, has released few details about recent limited strikes on Iran and routinely cites operational security when refusing to comment on damage to bases or equipment.
Major satellite‑imagery providers with U.S. contracts have delayed or blocked public release of images from the region at the request of American officials. As a result, it took months for an Associated Press analysis to confirm that Iranian drone and missile strikes damaged or destroyed structures on 26 U.S.‑linked military sites.
Potential hearing for Acting Navy Secretary
The developments could set the stage for a contentious confirmation hearing next week as Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao seeks permanent appointment as the service’s top civilian leader. Lawmakers are expected to question the administration’s handling of personnel matters and its broader approach to transparency with Congress.
Both the House and Senate committees have emphasized the importance of timely notification of senior officer changes, citing longstanding Navy policy that such removals be publicly announced to maintain accountability and trust.
What this means for oversight
Congressional oversight of the armed forces relies on accurate, timely information about leadership changes that can affect mission readiness and strategic direction. The Navy’s deviation from its own notification protocol may prompt legislative proposals to strengthen reporting requirements and ensure that future personnel actions are communicated promptly.
Stakeholders, including defense‑industry partners and service‑member families, are watching closely to see whether the Navy will adjust its communication practices or face further legislative scrutiny.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
