Navy warship incident in South China Sea leads to court-martial

Grisel Marrero, a U.S. Navy enlisted sailor, was court-martialed for her role in establishing an unauthorized Wi-Fi network aboard the USS Manchester while deployed in the South China Sea. The investigation revealed that she conspired with other leaders to create this network using a Starlink connection, which posed significant risks to operational security and the safety of the crew. Marrero was demoted from Command Senior Chief to Chief Petty Officer after pleading guilty to charges of willful dereliction of duty and making false official statements. The investigation highlighted that Marrero denied the existence of the Wi-Fi network, named 'STINKY,' even when confronted by crew members. She attempted to conceal the network by changing its name to resemble a wireless printer, despite no such printers being present on the ship. This deception continued until the investigation uncovered her actions, which included intercepting a note meant for the commanding officer that reported the unauthorized network. Marrero's actions exploited the trust placed in her by Commander Colleen Moore, who relied heavily on her during a challenging period following the relief of the executive officer. The investigation underscored the serious implications of Marrero's misconduct, emphasizing the operational security risks associated with unauthorized communications systems in a military environment. Ultimately, the court-martial served as a reminder of the importance of maintaining strict adherence to security protocols within the Navy, particularly in sensitive operational areas like the South China Sea. The case reflects broader concerns regarding information security and the potential consequences of negligence in military operations.