Thomas Modly, who served as Acting Secretary of the Navy, faced significant backlash due to his response to the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt. The crisis began when Captain Brett Crozier sent a memo expressing urgent concern for the health of his crew, advocating for immediate quarantine measures to prevent further spread of the virus. This memo was leaked to the media, igniting a firestorm of criticism around both the Navy's operational protocols and Modly's leadership. In an attempt to regain control of the narrative, Modly dismissed Crozier, a decision that was met with widespread condemnation from both military members and civilians alike.

Modly's decision to relieve Crozier was followed by a controversial visit to the USS Theodore Roosevelt, where he addressed the crew in a manner that was perceived as disrespectful. His remarks dismissed the seriousness of the situation and provoked further outrage from the Navy and public commentators. Criticism mounted against Modly, not just for his handling of the situation but also for the implications it had on morale within the Navy, which was already dealing with the unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic. Amidst calls for accountability and reassessment of leadership, Modly ultimately resigned from his position as Acting Secretary of the Navy, marking a significant moment of leadership crisis amid a public health emergency.