Giving out a major statement, US President Donald Trump has said that he was unaware of any effort to move the USS John S. McCain that was stationed near the site of his recent speech in Japan.
Media sources reported on Wednesday that the White House wanted the U.S. Navy to move the ship, named for the late Arizona senator, “out of sight.” It cited an email between U.S. military officials.
The email to Navy and Air Force officials had a number of directives, including: “USS John McCain needs to be out of sight,” and asking officials to “please confirm” that directive ”will be satisfied.”
Media said a tarpaulin was hung over the ships name ahead of Mr. Trump’s trip and sailors were directed to remove coverings from the destroyer that bore its name.
The paper also said sailors assigned to the ship, who generally wear caps bearing its name, were given the day off during Mr. Trump’s visit to the nearby USS Wasp.
“I was not informed about anything having to do with the Navy Ship USS John S. McCain during my recent visit to Japan,” Mr. Trump wrote on Twitter.
Commander Clay Doss, a spokesman for the Navy’s Seventh Fleet, said the tarpaulin was taken down on Saturday before Mr. Trump’s visit to the area. “All ships remained in normal configuration during the President’s visit,” Commander Doss said.
Lieutenant Colonel Joe Buccino, a Pentagon spokesman, said acting U.S. Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan was not aware of the directive.
“Secretary Shanahan was not aware of the directive to move the USS John S McCain nor was he aware of the concern precipitating the directive,” Lt. Col. Buccino said.
Was unaware of any effort to move USS John McCain ‘out of sight’: Prez Trump
