Acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly resigned Tuesday after drawing condemnation for insulting the commanding officer of an aircraft carrier who was fired for writing a letter of concern about the service’s handling of a coronavirus outbreak aboard his vessel.

U.S. Deputy Navy Secretary Thomas Modly's speech to the ship's crew was leaked to the press. Modly's remarks revealed that he used the phrase “naïve” and “stupid” for Crozier.  House of Representatives Armed Services Commission Chairman Adam Smith called for Modly's dismissal.

Modly apologized for what he said, but that statement was not enough to reduce the reaction. The Deputy Secretary of the Navy resigned Tuesday. Defence Minister Mark Esper said he accepted Modly's resignation. The new deputy secretary of the Navy will be James McPherson.