Navy SEALs deployed to Iraq ordered home for allegedly drinking during deployment

A platoon of Navy SEALs has been ordered to return to the U.S. from Iraq for allegedly drinking during their deployment, according to U.S. Special Operations Command.

“Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve ordered the early redeployment of a SEAL Team platoon to San Diego due to a perceived deterioration of good order and discipline within the team during non-operational periods,” said a U.S. Special Operations Command statement. “The Commander lost confidence in the team’s ability to accomplish the mission.

“Commanders have worked to mitigate the operational impact as this SEAL platoon follows a deliberate redeployment,” the office added. “All Department of Defense personnel are expected to uphold proven standards and to comply with laws and regulations. Alleged violations are thoroughly investigated.” 

Commanders have worked to mitigate the operational impact as this SEAL platoon follows a deliberate redeployment. All Department of Defense personnel are expected to uphold proven standards and to comply with laws and regulations. Alleged violations are thoroughly investigated.

— USSOCOM (@USSOCOM) July 24, 2019

The investigation began in July following allegations of drinking involving members of the platoon, which comprises about 20 SEALs, according to ABC News, citing a U.S. defense official. After determining that some of the platoon were drinking, which is forbidden in Middle Eastern combat deployments, Maj. Gen. Eric Hill ordered the unit home.{mosads}

“To mitigate potential impacts of this redeployment, other [Navy Special Warfare] NSW personnel are available to complete the assigned operational requirements,” said Capt. Tamara Lawrence, a spokeswoman for Naval Special Warfare Command, according to ABC.

The platoon, SEAL Team Seven, was the same unit in which Chief Warfare Operator Edward Gallagher served during a 2017 deployment, according to ABC. Gallagher was recently acquitted of murder and attempted murder in a military court. It is unclear if he served with any current members of the platoon.

The incident follows a report earlier this week that several members of another SEAL platoon tested positive for cocaine use.  

Updated 4:03 p.m.