(KGTV) — The Navy will not review three SEALs connected to the case involving Chief Edward Gallagher.
Acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly said Wednesday that he has directed the Chief of Naval Operations to "terminate" the Trident Review cases, which could have ultimately removed the SEALs from the elite force.
Modly advised in part that any issues with the SEALs be dealt with through other "administrative measures."
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“I have directed the Chief of Naval Operations to terminate the Trident Reviews for three Naval Special Warfare officers. Given the unique circumstances of these three remaining cases, I have determined that any failures in conduct, performance, judgment, or professionalism exhibited by these officers be addressed through other administrative measures as appropriate, such as letters of instruction or performance observations on their officer fitness reports," Modly wrote.
Modly added that the decision to toss the cases should not be interpreted as "diminishing" of the Navy SEALs.
"Navy uniformed leaders have my full confidence that they will continue to address challenging cultural issues within the Naval Special Warfare community, instill good order and discipline, and enforce the very highest professional standards we expect from every member of that community. These are standards that scores of brave Sailors have given their lives to establish and preserve," Modly wrote.
The three Navy SEALs were awaiting a Trident Review in connection with the case of Chief Edward Gallagher. The Navy had intended to hold a Trident Review of Gallagher after he was acquired of murdering a captured ISIS teen and firing at Iraqi civilians, but convicted of taking a photo next to the body.
President Trump, though, reversed Gallagher's demotion before the Navy announced it would review the case.
Gallagher's Trident Review never came. Defense Secretary Mark Esper allowed Gallagher to retire without the possibility of being removed from the SEALs — at the President's direction — shortly after firing then-Navy Secretary Richard Spencer over his handling of the case.
