Chapter 17
“I’d like to thank Commander Brenner’s men for bringing this atrocity to our attention.
I want to thank Commander Dennis, and his men under the direction of Lieutenant Chaney, for the quick and decisive work they were able to complete within days.
” Evan faced a secret room full of armed men, SEALs, and MPs.
He just prayed no one had whispered a word about the takedown.
“As you know, I called all hands on deck for eleven o’clock this morning.
” Evan’s gaze swept the room. “You will be divided into teams of three, including one military police and two SEALs. Expect resistance. That can be added to the list of charges. Every man on the list should be changing into his dress uniform. I want them all walked out in handcuffs, very visibly. Search them. These men know how to get out of a set of cuffs. No one gets away. Does everyone understand your orders?”
“Aye, sir,” returned the chorus of deep voices.
“Commanders, pick your teams.” He looked at the men one last time. “Good hunting.” He left the building on the far side of the base.
Fifteen minutes later, he stood in front of a sea of white uniforms. He’d received confirmation that everyone on the list had been arrested and was currently being processed for their crimes.
“I want you all to be the first to understand that things will be different under my command. Fifteen minutes ago, we started to take out the trash. I’m putting you all on notice—there may be more garbage that we have to toss.
“Gentlemen, you are United States SEALs. You’re the finest warriors on this planet. You earned that reputation, but over the last few years, the Trident has been tarnished…by your friends and teammates. Every one of you allowed that to happen. Every man here knows right from wrong.
“Illegal. Immoral. It stops here.
“It stops now.
“Every man standing before me is responsible not only for his own actions but those of your team, in combat and at home.
“Hear me and hear me loud and clear. You are not Gods. You are not invincible. You are not untouchable, as your brothers who were led out in handcuffs have learned. Those who think they are a God take risks, in combat and at home. They jeopardize your life.
“You are men. You bleed. You can die.
“I want to make sure you all come home.
“The Navy gave you this training to be the best in all things. You are SEALs. I will hold you to a higher standard.
“Several of your brother SEALs have been arrested for everything from human trafficking to treason. Those men are going to jail. You know if somebody on your team is doing something wrong. From now on, I expect you to take care of it. We cover each other’s backs in combat, and we take care of each other at home, but we don’t cover somebody’s ass, especially when we know what they were doing is wrong.
“It hasn’t been the press that burned the good name of Navy SEALs, it’s been men who work for us and with us.
Group 1 will rise from those ashes like a phoenix, known only for its fierce fighting ability.
Every one of you will once again be proud to serve the United States Navy and our country wearing a Trident. ”
It took almost five minutes for the thunderous applause and cheers to quiet.
“Dismissed.”