The head of Naval Special Warfare Command and its senior enlisted sailor have reminded SEALs and other special operators to stay out of the limelight.
The Oct. 31 letter from Rear Adm. Brian Losey and Force Master Chief Michael Magaraci to Naval Special Warfare sailors stresses that they should strive for the respect of their colleagues, not public acclaim. The Tampa Tribune first reported about the letter on Sunday.
"At Naval Special Warfare's core is the SEAL ethos," according to the letter, which was obtained by Navy Times. "A critical tenant of our ethos is 'I do not advertise the nature of my work, nor seek recognition for my actions.' Our ethos is a life-long commitment and obligation, both in and out of the service. Violators of our ethos are neither teammates in good standing, nor teammates who represent Naval Special Warfare."
The letter did not indicate if any Navy special operators had broken confidence, but it comes as media outlets are reporting that U.S. officials are considering prosecuting former Navy SEAL Matt Bissonnette for his failure to clear "No Easy Day," his 2011 book about the Osama bin Laden raid, with the government prior to publication. Separately, Fox News is scheduled to broadcast an interview on Nov. 11 with a former SEAL who claims to be the one who shot bin Laden.
The letter from Losey and Magaraci makes clear that Naval Special Warfare Command will prosecute anyone who reveals classified information and puts other sailors and their families in danger.
"We will not abide willful or selfish disregard for our core values in return for public notoriety and financial gain, which only diminishes otherwise honorable service, courage and sacrifice," the letter says. "Our credibility as a premier fighting force is forged in this sacrifice and has been accomplished with honor, as well as humility."
A spokesman for Naval Special Warfare Command declined to comment beyond the letter.
"It is well within the prerogative of the Naval Special Warfare community leadership to communicate their thoughts on issues important to the force — the letter speaks for itself," wrote Cmdr. Jason Salata in an email to Navy Times on Monday.
