DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY

CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS

2000 NAVY PENTAGON

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20350-2000 *

5800 Ser NOOJ 30 Apr 20

From: Chief of Naval Operations To: Vice Chief of Naval Operations

Subj : COMMAND INVESTIGATION CONCERNING CHAIN OF COMMAND ACTIONS WITH REGARD TO COVID-19 ONBOARD USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71)

Ref: (a) Acting SECNAV memos of 29 Apr 20 and 30 Apr 20

(b) JAGMAN, Chapter II

(d) ADM R. Burke, USN Itr 5800 Ser N09/20U100519 of 14 Apr 20

1 . As directed in reference (a), and in accordance with reference (b), this appoints you to inquire into the communications, decisions, and actions that took place within the Navy chain of command related to the events listed in paragraph 2 below.

2. The purpose of this command investigation is to expand references (c) and (d) and ensure more complete documentation of the events. Your investigation will inform my review of the status of the former commanding officer and will enable full consideration of the following matters:

a. Planning and execution of the Da Nang, Vietnam port visit.

b. Transit of USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT to Guam, including air movements during trzinsit and planning for the ship’s arrival and provisions for the crew.

c. Actions following arrival of USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT in Guam, including movement of the crew to on-base and off-base lodging.

d. Preparation and email delivery of the former commanding officer’s letter dated March 30, 2020, further handing of that email, and response to the email and letter by the chain of command. Include in your report transcripts or summaries of public statements made by Department of the Navy officials related to the relief of the former conunanding officer, without rendering opinions or recommendations on the relief or the rationale behind it.

3 . Interview appropriate witnesses and review relevant documentary materials. Report your findings of fact, opinions, and recommendations in letter form by 27 May 2020 unless an extension of time is granted by me.

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THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY WASHINGTON DC 20350-1000

APR 2 9 2020

MEMORANDUM FOR CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS

SUBJECT: USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71) Command Investigation

I reviewed the preliminary inquiry completed by the Vice Chief of Naval Operations pursuant to your appointing letter of April 2, 2020. As you directed, the preliminary inquiry focused on communications involving the warship’s health care professionals, the commanding officer, and the administrative and operational chains of command. It also outlined events related to the port visit in Da Nang, Vietnam, and later arrival in Guam.

You are directed to convene a command investigation into the communications, decisions, and actions that took place within the Navy chain of command related to the events stated below. The purpose of the command investigation is to expand the preliminary inquiry and ensure more complete documentation of these events. This will inform review of the status of the former commanding officer and enable fuller consideration of matters related to:

• Planning and execution of the Da Nang port visit.

• Transit of USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT to Guam, including air movements during transit and planning for the ship’s arrival and provisions for the crew.

• Actions following arrival of USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT in Guam, including movement of the crew to on-base and off-base lodging.

• Preparation and email delivery of the former commanding officer's letter dated March 30, 2020, further handling of that email, and response to the email and letter by the Navy chain of command. Include in your report transcripts and other public statements made by Department of the Navy officials related to the relief of the

former commanding officer, without rendering opinions or recommendations on the relief or the rationale behind it.

Complete the command investigation as quickly as possible, but prioritize thoroughness.

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THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY WASHINGTON DC 20350'! 000

APR 3 0 ms

MEMORANDUM FOR CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS

SUBJECT: USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71) Command Investigation

This memorandum clarifies one provision in my prior direction to you regarding subject investigation.

My memorandum of April 29, 2020 contains the following sentence: “Include in your report tr^cripts and other public statements made by Department of the Navy officials related to the relief of the former commanding officer, without rendering opinions or recommendations on the relief or the rationale behind it."

The sentence applies to die report submitted by the Investigating Officer. Such matters may be addressed in your endorsement.

James E. McPherson Acting

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