Navy SEALs who shared racist memes targeting a Black team member are facing disciplinary action as the elite force addresses leadership failures and upholds its zero-tolerance policy.
At a Glance
- Two Navy SEALs in Hampton Roads, Virginia created and shared racist memes depicting a Black teammate as a slave and monkey
- The targeted sailor had his SEAL qualifications and Trident pin unjustly revoked last year after reporting the racist behavior
- An investigation revealed leadership failures in addressing the racism and led to the sailor’s reinstatement with back pay
- The offending SEALs face non-judicial punishment that could end their careers or result in demotions
- Naval Special Warfare leadership has emphasized zero tolerance for racist behavior in all-hands meetings
Racist Behavior Within Elite Military Unit
Two Navy SEALs based in Hampton Roads, Virginia are facing disciplinary action after creating and sharing racist memes targeting a Black teammate. The investigation, monitored at the highest levels of the Pentagon, has uncovered disturbing incidents where the memes depicted the Black sailor as both a slave and a monkey. These images circulated in a group chat among team members beginning in 2022, continuing for years before the targeted sailor formally reported the harassment this year.
The memes were explicitly racist, according to Timothy Parlatore, the attorney representing the targeted SEAL. “This was a very shocking case of explicit and repeated racist memes directed at our client in a platoon-wide text thread,” Parlatore said. “They modified his face in photos to look like a monkey and portrayed him as a chained slave on a slave ship, among others.”
Leadership Failures and Accountability
The investigation by Naval Special Warfare Group 2 revealed significant leadership failures in handling the situation. When the Black SEAL initially reported racist treatment, his concerns were dismissed. Instead of addressing the racist behavior, his platoon and team leaders revoked his SEAL qualifications and Trident pin last year, citing alleged safety violations. These accusations came from the same individuals who had been sharing the racist memes.
“This type of behavior has no place in the Navy or the military, and we are grateful that Rear Adm. Sands and his staff took swift action to investigate, reverse the negative repercussions our client received, and move to hold people accountable,” he told Hettena.”, said Tim Parlatore.
The investigation determined that the decision to revoke the sailor’s qualifications was flawed. Rear Admiral Jamie Sands, leader of Naval Special Warfare, has taken steps to reinstate the sailor’s Trident and provide back pay. Additionally, platoon and team leaders are facing administrative actions for their failures to address the racist behavior appropriately when it was first reported.
Consequences and Zero Tolerance
The two sailors responsible for creating and sharing the racist memes now face non-judicial punishment and punitive letters. These consequences could potentially end their careers or result in demotions and loss of pay. Rear Admiral Sands has addressed the issue directly in all-hands meetings, emphasizing the force’s zero-tolerance policy for racist behavior within its ranks.
“Naval Special Warfare investigated serious allegations of unprofessional conduct within one of our commands, and accountability measures are ongoing. NSW is unwavering in its commitment to the highest standards of conduct. We are dedicated to fostering a climate of dignity and respect, and after conducting a thorough and fair investigation, we will hold anyone found responsible of misconduct accountable.”, said Capt. Jodie Cornell.
Diversity Challenges in Special Forces
This incident highlights ongoing diversity concerns within the Navy’s elite special operations forces. As of March 2021, approximately 95% of SEAL officers were white, with only 2% being Black. The sailor in this case filed over a dozen complaints about racist behavior, with about half being substantiated through investigation. The case has drawn attention to the need for improved diversity and inclusion within the military’s commando forces, though efforts to increase diversity could face challenges in the changing political landscape.
The Navy’s response to this incident demonstrates its commitment to addressing racism within its ranks, but also reveals the difficulties in creating inclusive environments in historically homogeneous military units. For the Black SEAL involved, the reinstatement of his Trident and recognition of the injustice he faced represents a resolution, though the broader cultural issues within the elite force may require ongoing attention and reform.
