Obama Snubs Deserving Military Heroes for Political Activist in Naming of Warships


Mr. Carl M. Levin, the name sake of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer did not ever serve in the military, but he did preside over the Senate Armed Services Committee which set the “administration’s major drawdown of troops and weapons systems” into effect.
An examination by The Washington Times of the 71 Arleigh Burke monikers shows Mr. Levin is the only one — except Winston Churchill — who does not meet the Navy guideline for destroyers. Most Arleigh Burke honorees are naval war heroes; a significant number earned the Medal of Honor. There are several Navy secretaries.
“Carl Levin is no Carl Vinson, Richard Russell or John Stennis,” said a congressional defense staffer. “He has presided over the dismantlement of the U.S. military, which is an accomplishment for the Obama administration.” (Russell championed defense spending, Vinson, a large “blue water” Navy, and Stennis was a a legendary defense hawk).

A report entitled “Policies and Practices of the U.S. Navy for Naming the Vessels of the Navy”, provided the guidelines to Congress on the naming of naval ships. The guidelines calls for naming destroyers after deceases Marine Corp and Navy Veterans and secretaries.

Capt. Patrick McNally,  Navy Secretary Mr. Mabus‘ spokesman, told The Times: “He names ships for American heroes and considers Senator Levin’s long commitment to the nation worthy of recognition …. The naming conventions are guidelines set by the secretary. He can deviate from them if he desires.”

This deviation flies in the face of tradition and honor, and Mabus’ choice to ignore those who have literally given life and limb, for someone who has downsized the military, while sitting far from harms way is undignified.

Rep. Duncan Hunter, California Republican, on Tuesday sent a letter to Mr. Mabus asking him to explain his departure from convention in naming the Carl Levin.

“It is important that the Navy adhere to its own ship naming rules and takes every effort necessary to avoid politicization of this process,” Mr. Hunter said.

Well said, Mr. Hunter.

Source: Washington Times



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