In a troubling case of racist conduct within the Navy, two enlisted members of SEAL Team 4, based in Virginia, are facing disciplinary measures due to their actions against a Black sailor in their platoon. These sailors were found to have created and circulated offensive racist memes that depicted the targeted sailor in derogatory ways, including portraying him as a slave in graphic visuals. The investigation was conducted by Naval Special Warfare Group 2, which oversees SEAL Team 4 at Joint Base Little Creek-Fort Story in Hampton Roads, Virginia.
The incidents that led to the investigation started in 2022 but were only reported by the targeted sailor this year. Although the memes circulated among team members for some time, they contributed to a toxic environment where the sailor faced ongoing harassment. As a result of this treatment, the sailor had his qualifications and SEAL trident revoked last year, a decision he alleges was influenced by the racist behavior directed at him.
The investigation’s findings prompted the reinstatement of the sailor's SEAL qualifications and the provision of back pay, signaling a recognition of the flawed decision-making process that led to his earlier disqualification. The Naval Special Warfare Group 2 discovered significant failures among the platoon and team leaders who inadequately addressed the sailor's reported concerns regarding racism. This negligence in leadership has resulted in punitive measures against those leaders, including administrative actions that may impact their future in the SEALs.
Timothy Parlatore, the legal representative for the targeted sailor, described the case as "a very shocking" instance of systematic racism, detailing how the memes modified the sailor's appearance in offensive and degrading ways. The two enlisted SEALs responsible for these actions now face non-judicial punishment, which may result in career-ending consequences, including demotions or loss of pay. Further disciplinary actions against them and their leadership are still pending.
In a statement, Naval Special Warfare Command acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations and emphasized their commitment to fostering an environment of dignity and respect. The leadership has acknowledged the need for accountability and the importance of maintaining ethical conduct within the organization. Rear Adm. Jamie Sands and his staff received commendation for their prompt response to investigate the issues and to begin restoring the affected sailor's standing.
This ongoing incident underscores long-standing concerns about racial diversity within Naval Special Warfare. Research indicates that commando forces, particularly officers, lack racial diversity compared to overall military demographics. In March 2021, a staggering 95% of all SEAL and combatant-craft crew officers were identified as white, while only 2% were Black. These disparities are striking when compared to the overall Navy, where about 40% of enlisted personnel are non-white.
The sailor involved filed over a dozen complaints regarding racist actions, with about half validated during the investigation. The broader issue was compounded by a secondary complaint from a white sailor regarding bullying within the platoon, indicating systemic leadership problems within the command structure. This incident is just one of many issues that have been investigated within the Navy, highlighting a pattern of failure, including training defects and medical oversights that have previously led to tragic outcomes, such as the drowning of two Navy SEALs and the death of a SEAL candidate in training.
As the Navy confronts these issues, the implications for diversity and inclusion initiatives are significant, especially in light of recent political changes prioritizing the termination of such programs. The potential for increased racism and hostility in predominantly white units raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of future recruitment and retention efforts aimed at promoting a more diverse military force.
