The highest-ranking officer in the US Navy stood firmly in support of a non-binary sailor on Tuesday, responding to criticism from some Republican lawmakers by expressing pride in the sailor's service. LTJG Audrey Knutson, whose story was recently highlighted on the Navy's Instagram account, shared their experience of serving as non-binary, drawing inspiration from their grandfather, a gay Navy veteran of World War II. Knutson recounted a memorable moment during a deployment on the USS Gerald R. Ford, where they recited a poem at an LGBTQ spoken word event. The post received nearly 17,000 likes.
Senator Marco Rubio from Florida criticized the post, questioning the Navy's focus in light of global military tensions. Similarly, Senator Tommy Tuberville from Alabama voiced his disapproval during a Senate Armed Services Committee meeting.
In defense, Admiral Michael Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations, praised Knutson's service, highlighting their family's legacy and dedication. Gilday noted the importance of building a cohesive team that respects diversity and adheres to military laws, emphasizing that anyone willing to serve and uphold the oath deserves respect.
Some Republicans have criticized the military for being overly focused on social issues, attributing this to recruitment challenges. However, a recent Army survey indicated that only a small percentage of potential recruits were concerned about these issues.
In a recent House Armed Services Subcommittee hearing, Republican Representative Cory Mills criticized the Defense Department's focus on diversity training. In response, Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Gil Cisneros pointed out that diversity and equal opportunity training have long been part of military practice.
At another hearing, Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael Grinston emphasized that the military remains committed to combat readiness, noting that training on diversity is minimal compared to extensive rifle marksmanship training.