Thomas Modly
Thomas Modly | |
|---|---|
Official portrait, 2017 | |
| United States Secretary of the Navy | |
Acting | |
| In office November 24, 2019 – April 7, 2020 | |
| President | Donald Trump |
| Preceded by | Richard V. Spencer |
| Succeeded by | James McPherson (acting) |
| In office July 15, 2019 – July 31, 2019 | |
| President | Donald Trump |
| Preceded by | Richard V. Spencer |
| Succeeded by | Richard V. Spencer |
| 33rd United States Under Secretary of the Navy | |
| In office December 4, 2017 – April 7, 2020 | |
| President | Donald Trump |
| Preceded by | Janine A. Davidson |
| Succeeded by | Erik Raven |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 15, 1960 Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. |
| Education | United States Naval Academy (BS) Georgetown University (MA) Harvard University (MBA) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1983–1990 |
Thomas B. Modly (born December 15, 1960) is an American businessman and former government official who served as acting United States Secretary of the Navy from November 24, 2019, to April 7, 2020.
Modly resigned as acting secretary amid wide criticism after firing the captain of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt. He relieved Captain Brett Crozier for allegedly going outside the chain of command in calling for help with a COVID-19 outbreak, then flew to Guam and addressed Crozier's former crew in a manner that was perceived as disrespectful.
Modly had earlier served as Under Secretary of the Navy from December 4, 2017. He temporarily performed the duties of the Secretary of the Navy from July 15, 2019, to July 31, 2019, while Richard V. Spencer served as acting Secretary of Defense and acting Deputy Secretary of Defense.