THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
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Dear Mr. President:

It has been the extreme honor of a lifetime to stand alongside the men and women of the Navy and
Marine Corps team in the protection ofthe American people and the values we all hold dear.

Together we have made great strides over the past two years. strengthening the foundation ofour
readiness. and bolstering our constellation of allies attd partners. to respond wherever needed with the honor
and professionalism that have marked our force for the past 244 years.

Now more than ever. the United States Navy and Marine Corps stands ready and ?rm in every part of
tlte globe. fueled at all times by our greatest resource -, the men and women who wear the uniform. Many of
them will soon miss their 'l'hanl-tsgiving dinners at home so that they can continue the watch beyond the curve
of the horizon. They and their families are. and will forever be. my personal heroes.

As Secretary of the Navy. one the most important responsibilities I have to our people is to maintain
good order and discipline throughout the ranks. I regard this as deadly serious business. The lives of our
Sailors. Marines and civilian teammates quite literally depend on the professional execution ofour many
missions. and they also depend on the ongoing faith and support of the people we serve and the allies we serve
alongside.

the rule oflaw is what sets us apart from our adversaries. (iood order and discipline is what has
enabled our victory agaittst foreign tyranny time and again. from Captain Lawrence's famous order "Don't
(live up the Ship". to the discipline and determination that propelled our flag to the highest point on two time.
The Constitution. and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. are the shields that set us apart. and the beacons
that protect us all. Through my Title Ten Authority. I have strived to ensure our proceedings are fair.
transparent and consistent, from the newest recruit to the Flag and General Olticer level.

Unfortunately it has become apparent that in this respect. I no longer share the some understanding
with the Commander in Chief who appointed me. in regards to the key principle of good ord er and discipline. I
cannot in good conscience obey an order that I believe violates the sacred oath I took in the presence of my
family. my ?ag and my faith to support and defend the Constitution ofthe United States.

The President deserves and should expect a Secretary ofthe Navy who is aligned with his vision for
the future of our force generation and sustaintnent. Therefore. with pride in the achievements we've shared.
and everlasting faith in the continued service and ?delity ofthe ?nest Sailors. Marines and civilian teammates
on earth. I hereby acknowledge my termination as United States Secretary of the Navy. to be effective
immediately.

I will forever be grateful for every opportunity to have served. from my days as a Marine. to the
extreme honor of serving as the Totlt Secretary of the Navy. My wife Polly and I stand in appreciation and
admiration of the patriots who today forgo the next link in the unbroken chain of our Navy and Marine Corps.
and we urge all Americans to keep them. and their families. in their hearts and prayers through this holiday
season and beyond.

Thank you once again for the opportunity to serve.

Respectfully yours.

 

Richard pencer