In a recent incident highlighting the U.S. Navy's strict internet policies and leadership expectations, a senior enlisted officer was removed from her position for installing an unauthorized Starlink satellite dish on a warship. The case underscores the challenges of balancing personal connectivity with operational security in modern naval operations.
Grisel Marrero, formerly a command senior chief on the USS Manchester, a Freedom-class littoral combat ship, was quietly relieved of her duties in late 2023. The Navy's investigation revealed that Marrero, along with other enlisted officers, had arranged for the installation of a Starlink High Performance Kit on the San Diego-based vessel in April 2023, just before deployment.
The motivation behind this unauthorized action was to provide internet access for personal use, including social media browsing, checking sports scores, and streaming movies. This decision directly contravened the Navy's policy of restricting internet access during deployments to maintain operational bandwidth and mitigate cybersecurity risks.
The investigation uncovered several interesting details:
- The Starlink kit cost $2,800 and was funded by Marrero and other senior leaders.
- Over a dozen chief petty officers utilized the unauthorized network.
- The group purchased signal amplifiers in Pearl Harbor to extend coverage.
- The Chief Petty Officer Association's debit card was used to pay the $1,000 monthly Starlink bill.
- The network was not shared with lower-ranking sailors.
Marrero attempted to conceal the network, which she dubbed "Stinky," by renaming it as a printer and denying its existence. She even intercepted a comment about the network left in the commanding officer's suggestion box, further compromising her integrity.
The consequences for Marrero were severe. In March 2024, she was convicted at a court-martial after pleading guilty to dereliction of duty and providing false official statements to commanders. As a result, she was demoted to chief petty officer.
Navy spokesperson Cmdr. Cindy Fields emphasized the high standards expected of senior enlisted leaders, stating:
"Navy senior enlisted leaders ... are expected to uphold the highest standards of responsibility, reliability and leadership, and the Navy holds them accountable when they fall short of those standards."
This incident is not isolated in the Navy's recent history of leadership accountability. Just last week, a commander of the USS John McCain, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, was relieved of duty after a photo surfaced showing him firing a rifle with a backward-mounted scope, causing considerable ridicule on social media.
The U.S. Navy's strict stance on these matters reflects its commitment to maintaining operational readiness and the integrity of its leadership. As naval operations continue to evolve in the digital age, the balance between personal connectivity and military discipline remains a critical challenge for the service.