An Accidental Navy Chief Steers His Service Through a Storm

[marble falls]

Adm. Michael M. Gilday appears determined that his recommendations on the Roosevelt case will be made based on Navy principles and not on fears of what the White House might want.


https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/01/us/politics/coronavirus-carrier-crozier-gilday-trump.html

WASHINGTON —

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In recommending the reinstatement of the captain of the aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt, Admiral Michael M. Gilday put the Navy before his own career.Credit...Mark Makela/Getty Images


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The admiral, who took a bold step last week — recommending that the captain of a virus-stricken aircraft carrier be restored to command after he was removed by the service’s senior civilian — was plucked from the military’s Joint Staff last July to take over a scandal-plagued sea service, leapfrogging several more senior four-star officers.

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Now, just as with Captain Crozier, Admiral Gilday’s fate is up in the air, current and former officials say, as the Pentagon tries to divine what, exactly, President Trump wants it to do. Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper declined to endorse Admiral Gilday’s recommendations, and a final decision was kicked down the road when James E. McPherson, the new acting Navy secretary, ordered up another investigation. The Navy said Thursday it would be completed by May 27.

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Indeed, colleagues and friends say he is a sailor’s admiral — a quiet, self-effacing, no-nonsense officer who is comfortable in his own skin making what might be politically unpopular decisions.

“He is a high-speed intellect with low-drag ego, which is a very rare quality at the upper echelons of any government,” said James G. Stavridis, a retired admiral and former NATO commander. Admiral Stavridis, who commanded Admiral Gilday at NATO, said of him, “At 5-foot-6 and balding, Admiral Gilday hardly resembles the stereotypical tall, silver-haired admiral.”

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Admiral Gilday faces challenges beyond the Roosevelt case.Credit...Tom Brenner for The New York Times

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“And that’s a really difficult leadership challenge,” Admiral Mullen said, adding, “I think Mike Gilday is the right guy to lead in all of this.”

[crickets]

1. Sounds like Admiral Gilday is a good man and a fine officer

who is willing to do the right thing regardless of trump's idiotic politics. It seems he has the Navy's (and therefore the country's) best interests at heart. May he prevail.

[marble falls]

2. He walks the walk. His record documents it.

[Cracklin Charlie]

3. Looks like a total badass.

Would like to see him take on president assface.