US Sailor From The Coronavirus-Stricken USS Theodore Roosevelt Taken To ICU

The USS Theodore Roosevelt, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, has been the center of media attention lately because of the letter sent by its captain to the Navy brass. According to reports, around 150 sailors during that time have tested positive for COVID-19. Updated reports today reveal that the number of COVID-19 cases aboard the ship has increased to more than 400.

In Critical Condition

The Navy, in a statement, said that the sailor was in isolation that was to last for 14 days when brought to the U.S. Naval Hospital in Guam on Thursday. Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a U.S. official said the sailor was found unresponsive while observing the 14-day isolation period. Sources reveal that the sailor received cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The sailor is listed as critical as of posting.

The Navy had reported earlier that the number of sailors who tested positive aboard the nuclear-powered carrier has increased to 286. Today, Navy reports that it has further increased to 416.

A Hotbed Of Controversy

Recently, USS Teddy Roosevelt became a hotbed of controversy because of the memo or letter sent by its commanding officer to the Navy brass. According to reports, U.S. Navy Captain Brett Crozier revealed in the letter that sailors aboard have tested positive for the virus. He reportedly is pleading with Navy officials to evacuate those infected and have them quarantined on land. “We are not at war. Sailors need not die,” Capt. Crozier allegedly wrote in the letter.

Acting Secretary Thomas Modly, while empathizing with the plight of sailors, did not like the action of the ship’s commanding officer. Rear Admiral Stuart Baker, the commander of the Carrier Strike Group, relieved Capt. Crozier of his command. Navy Secretary Modly then reportedly flew to Guam and talked to the USS Teddy Roosevelt officers and personnel about the issue in what was reported to be a profanity-laden speech. After his speech was reportedly leaked by sailors, a huge backlash ensued, resulting in Modly resigning as acting Navy Secretary.

Likely To Happen Elsewhere

In an interview with reporters at the Pentagon, Air Force General John Hyten, the Joint Chiefs of Staff vice chairman, said the military has to plan as regards coronavirus outbreaks. He said that outbreaks on the level of the USS Teddy Roosevelt could possibly happen on another military asset.

During the interview, Gen. Hyten said that it is not a good idea to view the Teddy Roosevelt outbreak as an isolated or one-of-a-kind issue. Hyten said, “To think that it will never happen again, is not a good way to plan.” Gen. Hyten also revealed there are also a small number of coronavirus cases aboard another aircraft carrier. Sailors assigned to four other carriers have been found to be COVID-19 positive, said the U.S. official in an interview with Reuters.