Hegseth supports 'American hero' admiral who gave second boat strike order

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth expressed full support for Navy Adm. Frank Bradley, who commanded a second strike on a suspected drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean Sea on September 2. Hegseth stated on the social media platform X on Monday: Admiral Mitch Bradley is an American hero, a consummate professional, and has my complete backing. I fully support him and the tactical choices he has made during the September 2 mission and all prior operations.

Hegseth added, Our nation is fortunate to have such dedicated personnel safeguarding us. When the @DeptofWar pledges to support our service members, we mean it wholeheartedly.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed earlier Monday that Hegseth approved the second strike, which Bradley subsequently executed, resulting in the deaths of two survivors from the initial attack on the boat. The Washington Post reported that the Defense Secretary instructed military officials to eliminate everyone on board during the operation.

Leavitt told reporters, Admiral Bradley acted fully within his legal authority to ensure the vessel was neutralized and that the threat to the United States was removed.

The Trump administration reported that the strikes resulted in the deaths of 11 individuals labeled as narco-terrorists, though no public evidence has been released. These actions were part of a broader campaign, which the administration says has eliminated over 80 targets in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific.

President Trump clarified Sunday that Hegseth did not order the deaths of the two survivors. He said, The first strike was extremely effective, and if anyone remained, [Hegseth] did not direct action against them. I have complete confidence in him.

At the time of the operations, Bradley led the Joint Special Operations Command and was later promoted in October to command the U.S. Special Operations Command.

Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), the ranking Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, mentioned Monday that he has discussed the matter with Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and anticipates speaking with Admiral Bradley this week, according to CNN.

Author: Sophia Brooks