Capt. Owen Honors is relieved of command for ‘lack of good judgment and professionalism.’ The incident highlights the military’s cultural struggle as it faces repeal of ‘don’t ask, don’t tell.’
Videos made five-years ago before repeal of don’t ask, don’t tell.
The Navy’s decision Tuesday to relieve an aircraft carrier captain of his command over videos containing anti-gay slurs highlights the difficulty the military faces in adapting its culture now that homosexuals will be allowed to serve openly.
The videos produced by Capt. Owen Honors were broadcast aboard the Norfolk, Va.-based aircraft carrier Enterprise four years ago, when Honors was serving as the vessel’s second in command. The crude, mocking references to gays reflect an insensitivity that remains prevalent in parts of the military, according to current and former service members.
“Most U.S. military units, especially those in combat, are kind of hyper-macho,” said a former Army infantry officer who has served in Iraq and Afghanistan. “In that environment, it’s not uncommon to hear homophobic slurs that would be unacceptable in larger societal discourse.”
Adm. John Harvey, head of the Navy’s Fleet Forces Command, made no reference to the slurs in the videos when he announced the decision to remove Honors from his command.
“His profound lack of good judgment and professionalism while previously serving as executive officer on the Enterprise calls into question his character and completely undermines his credibility to continue to serve effectively in command,” Harvey told reporters.
Should Navy Capt. Owen Honors Have Been Fired?–bNet
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Tags: Captain Owen Honors, Media, Military, Navy, News Item, Video
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