Captain of US aircraft carrier pleads for COVID-19 action
The captain of the Nimitz-class USS Theodore Roosevelt has written to US Navy leaders demanding extra resources and assistance to deal with an onboard outbreak of the COVID-19 coronavirus.
The aircraft carrier is docked in Guam due to the outbreak.
In a four-page letter obtained by the San Francisco Chronicle, Captain Brett Crozier warned that due to the limitations of space aboard the vessel, the 4,000-strong crew are not able to effectively socially isolate.
‘The spread of the disease is ongoing and accelerating,’ Crozier wrote, adding: ‘Removing the majority of personnel from a deployed US nuclear aircraft carrier and isolating them for two weeks may seem like an extraordinary measure… This is a necessary risk.’
Initial reports that three crew members tested positive for the virus emerged on 24 March but it has since been revealed that the number has risen to at least 100.
In a TV interview with CNN, Acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly revealed on 31 March that most of the crew will be removed, while maintaining sufficient crew to continue onboard ‘critical functions’. He added: ‘It’s very methodical. We’re absolutely accelerating it as we go.’
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Ireland orders Thales towed array sonar]()
Ireland orders Thales towed array sonar
Ireland has a large Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) which extends 370km (200nm) offshore and contains 75% of the transatlantic subsea cables which carry $10 trillion in financial transactions daily. The country is investing to increase protection and surveillance of these waters.
-
![South Korea advances next-gen naval concepts for future force needs]()
South Korea advances next-gen naval concepts for future force needs
HHI and Hanwha Ocean outline highly autonomous and unmanned-enabled designs as the ROKN explores force structure for the 2030s and beyond.
-
![US representatives plan to invest $1.6 billion in US Coast Guard inventory in FY2026]()
US representatives plan to invest $1.6 billion in US Coast Guard inventory in FY2026
The FY26 Homeland Security Bill Markup of the House Committee on Appropriations included resources for the procurement of ships, aircraft and unmanned systems.
-
![US Navy seeks industry partners to address pressing research needs]()
US Navy seeks industry partners to address pressing research needs
The Office of Naval Research will host an Industry Engagement Day in August aiming at building new partnerships and advancing its science and technology initiatives in multiple areas.
-
![Raytheon awarded $1.2 billion in contracts for AN/SPY-6(V) radars for the US Navy]()
Raytheon awarded $1.2 billion in contracts for AN/SPY-6(V) radars for the US Navy
Under the most recent contract, the US Navy will receive four additional AN/SPY-6(V) radars, increasing the number of radars under contract to 42. The radars are considered key for expanding the navy’s capability for air defence.
