Commander of Greenland Base Who Broke with Vance Fired Shortly After Military.com Report
Military.com first reported Thursday that Col. Susan Meyers, the commander of the 821st Space Base Group who oversees Pituffik Space Base, had sent an email to personnel on March 31, just days after Vance's visit, saying his comments "are not reflective" of the base's views.
Hours after Military.com's report, a news release said Col. Kenneth Klock, commander of Space Base Delta 1, removed Meyers from her position due to a "loss of confidence in her ability to lead."
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The news release went on to say "commanders are expected to adhere to the highest standards of conduct, especially as it relates to remaining nonpartisan in the performance of their duties."
Backlash from Meyers' emailed comments spread quickly among GOP politicians and Republican circles on Thursday.
Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., posted Military.com's story on social media Thursday "demanding a full investigation." He later posted a letter he wrote to acting Air Force Secretary Gary Ashworth in which he asked for a formal probe into Meyers' comments.
Sean Parnell, the chief Pentagon spokesperson, reposted Military.com's story, as well as the news release announcing Meyers' firing.
"Actions to undermine the chain of command or to subvert President Trump's agenda will not be tolerated at the Department of Defense," Parnell wrote.
A Space Force official told Military.com on Friday that Meyers had been reassigned to another position within Space Operations Command, is still serving in the military and has been removed from her leadership role.
The Pentagon and Space Base Delta 1 did also not immediately respond when asked whether they were aware of or were investigating the email prior to the initial story by Military.com being published or if Meyers is currently facing disciplinary action.
Pituffik Space Base, the Pentagon's northernmost military base, houses more than 150 airmen and Guardians, as well as Canadian, Danish and Greenlander civilian workers. It began as a joint Danish-American radio and weather station back in the mid-1940s.
Vance's March 28 Greenland trip and visit to Pituffik aimed to push President Donald Trump's agenda of criticizing Danish oversight of its territory as well as advocate for U.S. control of the Arctic island.
"You have not done a good job by the people of Greenland," Vance said, addressing Denmark directly in his speech. "You have underinvested in the people of Greenland, and you have underinvested in the security of this incredible, beautiful landmass."
Meyers' email to base personnel was seemingly aimed to unify the personnel on base following those comments.
"I commit that, for as long as I am lucky enough to lead this base, all of our flags will fly proudly -- together," Meyers' email message to the base read.
Related: Space Force Commander in Greenland Sent Out Email Breaking with Vance After His Visit
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