Why Mystery Surrounds Navy’s Secret Purge of Nuclear Sub Leaders and Capitol Physician

Submarine leaders dismissed

The Navy removed three leaders from the USS South Dakota last month after the nuclear-powered attack submarine collided with something on the seabed. The officers were the commander, second in command and top enlisted sailor.

Democratic lawmakers Courtney and Smith said Thursday that the Navy had not told Congress about the dismissals. In a letter to acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao and Adm. Daryl Caudle, they expressed “deep frustration” over the lack of notice to the House Armed Services Committee.

The Navy declined to comment publicly. The episode could make Cao’s confirmation hearing next week contentious as he seeks to become the Navy’s permanent top civilian official.

Other departures kept quiet

A defense official said the Navy also dismissed Cmdr. Caitlin Cunningham, commander of the USS Michael Murphy, on Sept. 27, citing a loss of confidence. The official spoke anonymously to discuss sensitive personnel matters.

The destroyer was deployed to the Middle East in support of operations against Iran, and Cunningham had held the post for less than a year. The Navy did not publicly announce her departure, even when asked; such announcements would typically come within days.

The dismissals break with the Navy’s longstanding practice of publicizing major command changes. They also come as military officials have become more guarded about operations, particularly in the Middle East.

Physician leaves amid inquiry

Dr. Brian Monahan, a Navy rear admiral who served as attending physician to Congress and the Supreme Court, also left his post without a public announcement or confirmation from the Navy. On Thursday, Republican Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota and Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla of California confirmed his departure but offered few details.

A person familiar with the matter said the Navy had opened an investigation. The person was not authorized to discuss it and spoke anonymously. Monahan had led the Office of the Attending Physician for nearly 18 years.

The office provides emergency medical care to members of Congress and the Supreme Court, along with congressional staff and visitors. Monahan had previously spoken publicly about Sen. Mitch McConnell’s health and administered a COVID-19 vaccine to then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Wider limits on information

Information restrictions extend beyond the Navy. U.S. Central Command, which oversees Middle East operations, has released few details about recent limited strikes on Iran and has declined to describe damage to bases or equipment, usually citing operational security.