The top admiral of the US Navy has condemned racist incidents involving hate symbols on warships, which included a noose being put on a black sailor’s bed.
The Incidents, that have occurred in recent weeks, underline deep concerns about racism in the Armed forces.
Pentagon leaders are facing growing pressure to combat extremism in the military. In once case being investigated by the Navy, hate speech graffiti was found in a bathroom aboard the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier.
The Navy is also investigating a case in which a noose was placed on a black sailor’s bed. The Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Mike Gilday condemned racial divisions in the military.
“If we must question the intentions of our shipmate standing the watch with us, now, and especially, when taking fire, we will fail when the Nation needs us most in combat,”, Gilday said.
The admiral acknowledges addresses racism is a leadership issue, saying “Some sailors may think their voices do not matter right now, or feel frustrated seeking to be seen and be heard, But let me be clear, each of your voices matter,” Gilday said.
Reuters reported last month that a third of Black servicemembers reported experiencing racial discrimination, and harassment during a 12 month period.
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