#002: A Story of Service to Others Over Self

Episode 2- The Removal of Captain Brett Cozier, United States Navy, from Command of the Nuclear Aircraft Carrier, USS Theodore Roosevelt. A Story of Service to Others Over Self.

Episode 2 of The Dr. John Bedker Leadership Podcast informs the listener of the events surrounding Captain Brett Crozier’s removal from command. Captain Crozier was the Commanding Officer of the United States nuclear aircraft carrier, Theodore Roosevelt. Following an outbreak of Coronavirus-19 onboard the
Roosevelt a series of significant leadership events transpired.

Captain Crozier followed procedure and communicated the events onboard the Roosevelt to his Chain of Command.  He put his crew and his ship before his personal self-interest.  The leadership message of Episode 2 of The Dr. John Bedker Leadership Podcast is clear: Non Sibi Sed Patriae- not for self, but for country.

The politicization of military leadership, and the politicization of a Commanding Officer’s judgment and decision making, critical leadership core competencies for any leader, are brought to light in Episode 2 of The Dr. John Bedker Leadership Podcast. Dr. John Bedker, a former Naval Officer and Commanding Officer, brings his unique experience and insight.

Sources include:
Gafni, Matthias and Garofoli, Joe. “Exclusive: Captain of the aircraft carrier with growing
coronavirus outbreak pleads for help from Navy.” San Francisco Chronicle, 31 March 2020.

Gafni, Matthias and Garofoli, Joe. “A Captain’s Choice, Brett Crozier chose his crew over his
career. His decision surprised no one who knows him.” San Francisco Chronicle, 5 April 2020.

Schmitt, Eric and Ismay, John. “He Led a Top Navy Ship. Now He Sits in Quarantine, Fired and
Infected.” New York Times, 6 April 2020.

Lubold, Gordon and Gordon, Michael R. “Acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly Resigns in
Wake of USS Roosevelt Comments.” The Wall Street Journal, 6 April 2020.