House Democrats criticize Navy over private firing of USS South Dakota leadership

Democratic lawmakers Reps. Joe Courtney of Connecticut and Adam Smith of Washington have criticized the Navy for privately firing the top three leaders of the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS South Dakota. The Navy removed the commanding officer, the executive officer, and the chief of the boat on October 14 following an incident where the vessel collided with something on the seabed. Congress only learned of these removals through a media report published nearly a month later, following an inquiry from a Connecticut newspaper on November 11. In a letter addressed to acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao and Adm. Daryl Caudle, the lawmakers expressed "deep frustration" over the lack of transparency regarding the "secret purge." The lawmakers argued that the failure to communicate these dismissals raises questions about the Navy's commitment to a productive working relationship with Congress. The Navy has declined to comment publicly on the matter. These developments may impact a contentious confirmation hearing for Hung Cao scheduled for next week.