The United States Navy has formally apologized to sailors and Marines who were involuntarily discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine under the previous administration's mandate. Navy Under Secretary Hung Cao delivered the message in a video statement released on Saturday, explicitly admitting that the service had "failed" these dedicated members.
Cao addressed the separated personnel directly, stating that the leadership is now ready to correct their military records and welcome them back into the force. He characterized these individuals as "warriors of conscience," emphasizing that their integrity and principled stands are exactly what the Navy needs to maintain readiness.
The apology represents a major reversal of the policies enforced during the Biden era, which saw thousands of service members removed for declining the shot. Under Secretary Cao pledged that such a dismissal over medical mandates would never happen again, declaring, "not on my watch."
This initiative to reinstate troops is part of a broader directive from the current administration to address what they view as unjust personnel actions from the pandemic years. The Navy has established a streamlined process for veterans to apply for reinstatement, ensuring they can return to their former ranks and benefits.
The vaccine mandate was originally rescinded by Congress after significant political pushback, but legal battles regarding the status of discharged troops have continued for years. Many sailors faced financial hardship and professional setbacks after being separated with discharge characterizations that negatively affected their post-military lives.
Advocacy groups and legal organizations have long argued that the refusals were often based on sincerely held religious beliefs that were summarily rejected by review boards. The Navy's new stance validates those claims and seeks to repair the trust between the institution and its warfighters.
In his closing remarks, Cao invoked the traditional mottos "Semper Fi" and "Hooyah" to signal a return to core military values and unity. The department hopes that this formal act of contrition will encourage experienced personnel to rejoin the fleet and strengthen national defense.