Two Navy SEALs Face Discipline Over Racist Memes Targeting Fellow Sailor in Virginia

Two Navy SEALs from SEAL Team 4, based in Virginia, are facing disciplinary action for sharing racist memes targeting a Black SEAL in a platoon-wide Signal chat over several years. The memes depicted the sailor as a monkey and a chained slave, with the Black SEAL having originally reported the incidents this year. The targeted SEAL had his qualifications and SEAL trident revoked last year, a decision now deemed flawed, and his qualifications have been reinstated along with back pay following a Naval Special Warfare Group 2 investigation. The investigation also found leadership failures within the platoon and team leaders, who are facing administrative disciplinary actions for not adequately addressing the sailor's concerns. The two enlisted SEALs responsible face non-judicial punishment and punitive letters, which can impact their careers significantly. Naval Special Warfare Command emphasized its commitment to a climate of dignity and respect and is holding those responsible accountable, with oversight at the highest Pentagon levels.