SECRETARY DEFENSE
1000 DEFENSE PENTAGON
WASHINGTON, DC 20301-1000

 

7 April 2020

This morning I accepted Secretary Modly?s resignation. He resigned on his own accord, putting
the Navy and the Sailors above self so that the USS. Theodore Roosevelt, and the Navy as an
institution, can move forward. His care for the Sailors was genuine. Secretary Modly served
the nation for many years, both in and out of uniform. have the deepest respect for anyone
who serves our country, and who places the greater good above all else. Secretary Modly did
that today, and wish him all the best.

I briefed President Trump after my conversation with Secretary Modly. With the approval of
the President, I am appointing current Army Undersecretary Jim McPherson as acting Secretary
of the Navy. Jim is a retired Admiral with a distinguished 26 year naval career, serving ashore,
afloat, and overseas during his time in uniform. I know Jim McPherson well. He is a smart,
capable, and professional leader who will restore confidence and stability in the Navy during
these challenging times. Jim will serve as acting Secretary ofthe Navy until a permanent Navy
Secretary is confirmed.

also met with the Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Gilday, today. I was joined by Deputy
Secretary of Defense Norquist, Secretary M'cPherson'and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
General Milley. I gave guidance to Secretary McPherson and Admiral Gilday on the way ahead.
As many of you know, the Chief of Naval Operations launched an investigation last week
regarding the U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt, which is presently underway. Any further action
regarding the former commanding officer, Captain Crozier, will wait until that investigation is
completed.

Finally, in my conversation with Secretary McPherson and Admiral Gilday, I emphasized my
three priorities as the USS Theodore Roosevelt, the Navy, and the Department of Defense
confront the challenges of our day: First, protect our people, which means putting the health,
safety and welfare of the USS. Theodore Roosevelt's crew first; Second, maintain the
warfighting readiness ofthe US military, which means getting the Roosevelt back to sea, and on
patrol, as soon as safely possible; and Third, fully supporting the whole of government/whole of
nation response to the coronavirus to protect the American people. The Navy has been doing a
great job for months now as part, of that successful joint effort a 50,000+ strong military
campaign to support federal, state, and local efforts to stop the coronavirus. The Department
has been all in on this effort from the beginning, and continues to lead the way.

We must now put the needs of the Navy, including the crew of the Teddy Roosevelt, first, and
we must all move forward together.

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