Iran Press/America: The US Defence Secretary Mark Esper asked for the resignation of Navy Secretary Richard Spencer, and Spencer submitted it on Sunday.
The ousted chief of the Navy has attacked Donald Trump in his resignation letter, telling the president they do not hold compatible views on “good order and discipline” in the military.
In a letter acknowledging he was leaving the job, US Navy secretary Spencer said he "cannot in good conscience" obey an order he believes "violates the sacred oath" he took, and that he and Trump were at odds on the "key principle of good order and discipline".
"Good order and discipline are what has enabled our victory against foreign tyranny time and time again," the letter by former Navy Secretary read.
He went on to say: "Through my Title Ten Authority, I have striven to ensure our proceedings are fair, transparent and consistent, from the newest recruit to the Flag and General Officer level."
Richard Spencer added in his resignation letter: "Unfortunately it has become apparent that in this respect, I no longer share the same understanding with the US Commander in Chief who appointed me, in regards to the key principle of good order and discipline."
He defied Trump's approach and said: "I cannot in good conscience obey an order that I believe violates the sacred oath I took in the presence of my family, my flag and my faith to support and defend the Constitution of the United States."
The letter goes on: "The President deserves and should expect a Secretary of the Navy who is aligned with his vision for the future of our force generation and sustainment."
The firing was a dramatic turn in a long-running controversy involving Navy Chief Petty Officer Edward Gallagher, whose case has been championed by Trump.
In a series of tweets, the US President said he was "not pleased with the way US Navy Seal Eddie Gallagher's trial was handled by the Navy", saying he was "treated very badly".
Gallagher was convicted of war crimes in Iraq in 2017 and was demoted before Trump intervened last week and ordered the navy to restore Gallagher's rank.
The Secretary of Defense Mark Esper also has indicated that Gallagher be allowed to retire at the end of this month and a navy disciplinary board that was scheduled to hear his case starting December 2 be canceled. 205/211/219
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