Valor Ignored: Pete Buttigieg’s Shameful Neglect of US Sailors Under Fire

By Captain John Konrad (gCaptain OpEd) Naval experts have called the battle in the Red Sea the most intense naval combat the US Navy has faced this century. The Secretary of the Navy, recognizing the extraordinary valor under fire, awarded combat medals to US Navy sailors in the Red Sea combat zones and has consistently praised their efforts. Captain Chris “Chowdah” Hill, commanding officer of the USS Eisenhower, has rightfully become a cult legend in naval circles for his unwavering support of his crew during these times.

This stands in stark contrast to the appalling treatment of the American Merchant Marine sailors who, under direct enemy fire, delivered the Ike and allied warships fuel and explosive ammunition.

Yesterday, on an episode of The Daily Show, Secretary Pete Buttigieg mercilessly harassed and mocked JD Vance, calling Trump’s running mate odd and weird, affirming Jon Stewart’s crass remark that Vance “dropped a turd on launch.”

“When I was deployed to Afghanistan and there was a rocket attack,” Buttigieg recounted about his service as a US Navy intelligence officer. “My commitment to this country was physical.”

Using his own war story to mock JD Vance, a Marine who served in Iraq, is a low blow even by today’s political standards. But what enrages some is Buttigieg’s role as the Secretary of Transportation, and by extension, the Secretary of the US Merchant Marine. In this capacity, he oversees the US Merchant Marine Academy and the United States Maritime Service, the uniformed branch of the US Maritime Administration. Since the first tanker was attacked by Hamas rockets while delivering fuel to Israel in October, there have been numerous shipboard fires, missile attacks, and drone strikes on US-flagged ships. Despite these dangers, Buttigieg has refused to acknowledge the service and sacrifice of US Merchant Mariners, including those serving aboard US Navy ships in combat zones.

Related Article: US Merchant Marine Sailors Were Target Of Houthi Attack

He lauds his own sacrifice while rockets were launched at his fortified position yet says nothing about the significantly more powerful ballistic missiles Merchant Mariners face without any patriot missile or CWIS systems aboard. Nor has he asked the army for soldiers to board US Merchant Marine ships, something that was common during the Iraq war.

The US Merchant Marine has been relentlessly targeted by Houthi forces in the Red Sea. These mariners, operating under the US flag, have bravely navigated treacherous waters to deliver vital supplies amidst escalating hostilities. Houthi militants have launched numerous assaults on US merchant vessels, aiming to disrupt critical maritime routes and intimidate those who dare to ensure the flow of essential goods.

Historically, Merchant Mariners have never received the same recognition as US Navy sailors. However, previous secretaries have awarded Merchant Marine Expeditionary and other medals to those in combat zones. These recognitions are crucial as they unlock federal burial benefits and are the first step for Merchant Mariners injured or killed in action to obtain VA benefits. Buttigieg’s refusal to issue awards, or even to take five minutes to thank these mariners in a video address, is denying them their hard-earned benefits.

This is especially troubling given Jon Stewart’s relentless advocacy for veterans and first responders. Stewart has used his platform to highlight their struggles and fight for their rights, tirelessly campaigning for healthcare for 9/11 first responders and championing better mental health care and support services for veterans. His impassioned speeches before Congress and continued public support have been instrumental in bringing national attention to the health issues faced by these heroes.

WATCH: Jon Stewart says Congress ‘should be ashamed’ over inaction on helping 9/11 first responders

We urgently call on Jon Stewart to confront Secretary Pete Buttigieg with the same determination he has shown against politicians who ignored 9/11 first responders and burn pit cancer patients. Stewart’s advocacy has changed lives. Now, I ask him to demand justice for the US Merchant Mariners. These brave individuals, who risk their lives to ensure the flow of critical military equipment and munitions, deserve recognition and benefits. It is time for Stewart to hold Secretary Buttigieg accountable for neglecting these American heroes. More importantly, I ask Congress to hold a hearing on Pete’s neglect after fuel delivery to Israel, Black Sea mines, ship fires during the Gaza Pier debacle, and Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.

It is the Department of Transportation’s stated mission to “We work hard to maintain the overall health of the U.S. Merchant Marine,” but in this, Buttigieg has refused to lift a finger.

I would not dare to question Pete Buttigieg’s service to this nation in Afghanistan, his bravery, or his right to tell well-earned war stories. However, as the Secretary of Transportation, it is his responsibility now to extend that same recognition and respect to the Merchant Mariners facing life-threatening dangers daily. The next step for Pete is simple. He can start by posting a short video on X simply saying, “Thank you to the U.S. Merchant Marine sailors risking their lives. Thank you to the families of our brave mariners.”

Editorial Note: As CEO of gCaptain, I acknowledge my editorial bias. I’m not just disturbed by this—I am outright angry. We don’t know the future health ramifications of rocket attacks, and Buttigieg’s refusal to acknowledge these risks jeopardizes future claims. This issue is personal for me because my wife is a decorated Merchant Marine veteran of the Iraq War, and I worry about the future health of her shipmates. My father, buried in Arlington National Cemetery, fought a long and painful battle with cancer caused by Agent Orange. To deny Merchant Mariners the recognition and benefits they deserve is not just a bureaucratic oversight; it is a profound injustice to those who have sacrificed so much for our nation. gCaptain will continue to strive to keep partisan politics off our site, but I believe Buttigieg’s apathy toward mariners must be corrected.

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