Navy SEAL Team 4 Members Face Discipline Over Racist Memes

Two Navy SEAL Team 4 members are facing disciplinary action after an investigation revealed they created and circulated racist memes targeting a Black sailor in their platoon, depicting him as a monkey and a chained slave. The racist conduct began in 2022 and persisted for years, with the targeted sailor reporting the incidents only this year. The sailor, who had his SEAL qualifications and Trident revoked last year, claimed this was due to the racist treatment, a decision later found to be flawed. As a result of the probe conducted by Naval Special Warfare Group 2, his qualifications are being reinstated along with back pay. Several platoon and team leaders are also facing disciplinary actions for leadership failures in adequately addressing the sailor's repeated concerns about racism. The two enlisted sailors responsible face non-judicial punishment and punitive letters, which could end their careers or lead to demotions, while the Naval Special Warfare Command emphasized ongoing accountability actions and commitment to a respectful command environment.