Area Power commander in Greenland fired after Vance go to

The U.S. navy eliminated the commander of a U.S. navy base in Greenland on Thursday, a Area Power spokesperson confirmed, two weeks after Vice President JD Vance visited the set up amid President Trump’s push to take over the Danish-controlled island.

Hours earlier, Army.com reported the now-ousted commander of Pituffik Area Base, Col. Susannah Meyers, distanced herself from Vance’s remarks on the base in an electronic mail to personnel. The Protection Division confirmed that Meyers had written the e-mail.

“I don’t presume to grasp present politics, however what I do know is the considerations of the U.S. administration mentioned by Vice President Vance on Friday usually are not reflective of Pituffik Area Base,” Meyers wrote within the electronic mail. 

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell shared the Army.com article on X late Thursday, and wrote, “Actions to undermine the chain of command or to subvert President Trump’s agenda is not going to be tolerated on the Division of Protection.”

A Area Power spokesperson mentioned Meyers was eliminated by Col. Kenneth Klock for “lack of confidence in her skill to steer.” “Commanders are anticipated to stick to the best requirements of conduct, particularly because it pertains to remaining nonpartisan within the efficiency of their duties,” the spokesperson added.

Vance visited Pituffik Area Base together with second woman Usha Vance in late March, the place he criticized Denmark’s management of the semi-autonomous island, claiming the NATO nation has “not completed a very good job by the individuals of Greenland” and “underinvested within the safety structure.” Vance prompt Greenlanders may search independence from Denmark and “we will have conversations with the individuals of Greenland from there.” He mentioned he didn’t imagine navy pressure can be wanted to take over the island, echoing Mr. Trump’s statements.

The bottom is now overseen by Col. Shawn Lee, in keeping with the spokesperson.

Positioned within the northwestern a part of Greenland, Pituffik Area Base is the U.S. navy’s northernmost set up, relationship again to the Chilly Warfare.

Mr. Trump has repeatedly expressed curiosity in taking management of Greenland, citing nationwide safety considerations, regardless of pushback from political leaders in each Greenland and Denmark. Some 85% of Greenlanders don’t wish to be a part of the US, in keeping with a latest ballot. 

contributed to this report.