On Tuesday, the Marine Corps said in a statement to the Washington Post that Neary was relieved "due to a loss of trust and confidence in his ability to serve in command.". Several Marines notified Stars and Stripes of the derogatory comments after comments about the incident made their way around . (U.S. Marine Corps). According to an updated Stars and Stripes article published on Tuesday, Neary was at an outdoor physical training event for Marines at his headquarters where music was being played over loudspeakers. Photo: Sergeant Maj. Don J. Hernandez, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade Sergeant Major, passes the colors from Maj. Gen. Stephen M. Neary, outgoing commanding general, to Brig. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. The force's commandant, Gen. David H. Berger, relieved Maj. Gen. Stephen M. Neary as commander in Europe and Africa "due to a loss of trust and confidence in his ability to serve in command . However, the IG said Nearys language, which it said also involved the phrase you people when addressing Marines under the guise of providing correction, made the situation worse. General David H. Berger, the commandant of the Marine Corps, relieved Stephen Neary of his command on October 20, 2020 citing a "loss of trust and confidence in his ability to serve in command,".[3]. He graduated from the Virginia Military Institute and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in May 1988. It came in response to complaints from Marines who said Neary used the N-word in front of them after taking offense to the use of the word in a rap song that was being played during physical training outside MARFOREUR headquarters. Volunteer in trial of Oxford University and Astrazeneca Covid vaccine dies of virus in Brazil after taking placebo, Czech Republic goes back into full national coronavirus lockdown a day after Ireland as second wave smashes Europe, Weeing woman bitten on bum by massive 7ft python as she sat on toilet in Thailand, Cop shot by Breonna Taylor's boyfriend says case was NOT 'like George Floyd' and slams top cops for 'silence', What to do if your Covid unemployment benefits run out before new stimulus aid is passed. Major General Stephen Neary . The report, completed in December 2020, came two months after Neary was relieved of command by Gen. David H. Berger. Two weeks before Neary was fired, Stars and Stripes reported that he was under investigation for his alleged use of the word in August during a training event in Germany. Stephen M. Neary is a U.S. Marine major general who previously served as Commanding General, United States Marine Forces Europe and Africa . Maj. Gen. Stephen M. Neary took command of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa on Wednesday, July 8, 2020, during a ceremony at the unit's Panzer Kaserne headquarters in Boeblingen, Germany. PANZER KASERNE, Boeblingen, Germany (July8, 2020) Marines, Sailors and civilians from U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa took part in a socially distanced change of command ceremony, as well as a post-and-relief ceremony, today to mark the appointment of their new commander and sergeant major. Because again, there is no place for discriminatory behavior at all, in our Marine Corps, across the board.. Hermesmann, who has commanded MARFOREUR/AF since July 2019, presided over initiatives that: increased NATOs capacity for allied amphibious operations; enhanced Navy-Marine Corps integration into plans, operations and exercises; deployed Marines to Norways high north for challenging training alongside NATO allies in arctic and mountainous conditions; and conducted military-to-military engagements and training alongside African partners. As a lieutenant colonel, Neary assumed command of 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines in July 2004. Specific strengths in Enterprise Leadership,. 8 Jul 2020| A Marine Corps Inspector General report found that Neary used a racial slur, which he said was part of a teachable moment, while speaking to Marines during his assignment as the two-star head of U.S. Marine Forces Europe and Africa in 2020. Neary previously served as the II Marine Expeditionary Force deputy commander and commander of the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade. A report by the Inspector General of the Marine Corps details the July 2020 incident, which ultimately led to Maj. Gen. Stephen Nearys dismissal as head of U.S. Marine Forces Europe and Africa. General David H. Berger, the commandant of the Marine Corps, relieved Stephen Neary of his command on October 20, 2020, citing a "loss of trust and confidence in his ability to serve in command,".[3]. On Tuesday, the Marine Corps said in a statement to the Washington Post that Neary was relieved "due to a loss of trust and confidence in his ability to serve in command.". The Marines on Tuesday reportedly relieved the. Neary was commissioned in the United States Marine Corps as a second lieutenant after graduation from Virginia Military Institute in 1988. Although the investigation into the interaction is still ongoing, the official told ABC News that enough information was given to lead to Neary's firing. He helped unionize the office employees at the company and then served on the municipal council. USMC confirmed at the time of Neary's investigation that it was aware of the probe and that appropriate actions "regardless of rank" would be taken if the allegations were proven to be true. Maj. Gen. Stephen Neary had assumed the role on July 8. A native of Boston, Maj. Gen. Neary had joined the Marine Corps in 1988 after graduating from the Virginia Military Institue, (VMI). He served during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. A spokesman for U.S. Marine Forces in Europe and Africa referred ABC News to the Marine Corps statement. Neary served in Desert Storm and as a company and battalion commander in the Iraq War, the Marine Corps Times reported. News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. A witness told the military newspaper that after hearing some of the musical artists use the n-word in music played at the event, Neary asked junior Marines nearby how they'd feel if he used the phrase. Money Minute, What's next for experimental AI projects in the C4ISR sphere, Marine corporals can soon promote to rank of sergeant a year earlier, How 12 Marine security guards helped in Sudan embassy evacuation, Taliban kill mastermind of suicide bombing at Kabul airport, Marine reportedly killed by gun discharge in 7-ton truck in California, New mascot for San Diego Marine recruit depot has big paws to fill. Marine Corps). Marine Corps Forces Europe. The IG concluded that Neary had failed to demonstrate exemplary conduct.. As we continue to implement the transformation of the Marine Corps force design, this headquarters will continue to ensure the Navy-Marine Corps team remains innovative, capable and lethal in its operations throughout Europe and Africa.. Neary, who recently relinquished the posts of II Marine Expeditionary Force deputy commander and commander of the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, reiterated the outgoing commanders praise for his Marines and challenged them to push themselves even further. They are a great team, and I am honored to be with them. There have been three things that have been important to the MEF, whether it was command and control, enhancing relationships with allies and partners, and contributing to naval integration. 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Stars and Stripes received confirmation of the situation after asking if Maj. Gen. Stephen Neary, commander of Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa, used a racial slur for black people while other Marines were present. He is a graduate of the University of Delaware. (Tawanya Norwood/U.S. Neary failed to demonstrate exemplary conduct, as defined by the standard, through his insensitive comments and lack of awareness and appreciation for how divisive his use of a racial slur would be on his organization and offensive to his Marines, the report stated. He led the battalion in combat during Operation Iraqi Freedom in Fallujah and Ramadi. In addition to crisis-response forces based out of Spain and Italy, the Marines Stuttgart-area headquarters oversees troops on rotation in Norway who train with allies in the Arctic. Stars and Stripes reporter Chad Garland contributed to this report. Im deeply proud of the accomplishments of our Marines and Sailors, said Hermesmann. The investigation into the incident is still ongoing, Capt. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. Steve Neary. Stephen P. Neary, Spencer Rothbell, Tony Infante Kelsy Abbott and Nick Edwards October 31, 2024 Clarence, Jeff and Chad go trick-or-treating and get their candy stolen, so they plan to get it back. Neary said farewell to his Marines and sailors, reflecting on his two-year tenure as commanding general. Although USMC didn't give an official reason for Neary's firing, a US official confirmed to ABC News that his alleged use of a racial slur led to his removal. Deputy Director, Joint Training, Joint Staff J7 . MAJOR Gen Stephen Neary has been fired from the United States Marine Corps after he allegedly used a racist word while speaking to black troops. Peter Talleri and Stephen Neary USMC-02284.jpg You cannot play songs that use the n-word in it because it is counter to good order and discipline. Major Gen. Stephen M. Neary relinquished command of 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade to Brig. Neary was commissioned in the United States Marine Corps as a second lieutenant after graduation from Virginia Military Institute in 1988. U.S. Marine Corps The two-star U.S. Marine Corps general in charge of all Marines in Europe and Africa has been relieved of command following an investigation into his alleged use of a racial slur, according to a U.S. official. The reason: loss of trust and . Maj. Gen. Stephen Neary, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa, takes a tour of the Cooperative Security Location in Dakar, Senegal, Oct. 6, 2020. This page is not available in other languages. A witness told the military newspaper that after hearing some of the musical artists use the n-word in music played at the event, Neary asked junior Marines nearby how they'd feel if he used the phrase. Stephen Aloysius Neary (1925-1996) is a former politician and cabinet minister in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. A Marine Corps internal investigation determined Neary engaged in offensive conduct that violated Corps standards for leadership when he used a racial slur while speaking to junior troops. [1], As a general officer, Neary's assignments include Deputy Commanding General, Marine Corps Combat Development Command & Assistant Deputy Commandant for Combat Development & Integration from October 2015 to June 2016; Deputy Director for Joint Training with the Joint Staff from June 2016 to July 2018; Deputy Commanding General, II Marine Expeditionary Force and Commanding General, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade from July 8, 2018 to June 5, 2020. The Marine Corps confirmed at the time that it was aware of the allegations and that appropriate actions, "regardless of rank," would be taken if the allegations were substantiated. or maybe it's just that he has failed to sign off on all of the racist political BS that is being shoveled onto the military these days. At last..a Marine General with "Old Corps Balls", Hiring Essential Team Members Every Day. The report was obtained Friday following a private individuals Freedom of Information Act request. The military newspaper reported two weeks ago that Neary was under investigation for the alleged use of a racial slur in August in Germany. Neary replaced Maj. Gen. Patrick J. Hermesmann, who led U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa for the past year and is retiring. United States Marine Forces Europe and Africa, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, https://www.marforeur.marines.mil/About/LeadersView/Article/614046/major-general-stephen-m-neary/, "Hartsville native, Citadel graduate assumes command of 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade", https://today.citadel.edu/hartsville-native-citadel-graduate-assumes-command-of-2nd-marine-expeditionary-brigade/, "Top Marine general removed after being investigated over use of a racial slur", https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/top-marine-general-removed-investigated-racial-slur/story?id=73717785, Pages containing cite templates with deprecated parameters, Articles incorporating text from Wikipedia, United States Marine Corps personnel of the Iraq War, Recipients of the Defense Superior Service Medal, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. MARFOREUR/AF has set the bar very high with its exercises, training and real-world operations throughout the EUCOM and AFRICOM areas of operations, said Neary. Brigadier General Neary was born in Boston, Massachusetts. Neary is a career infantry officer who had previously served as the deputy commander of II Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Lejeune, N.C., before taking charge of the Germany-based command. Scott Olson/Getty Images. Stephen M. Neary is a U.S. Marine major general who previously served as Commanding General, United States Marine Forces Europe and Africa. He graduated from The Basic School and the Infantry Officers Course, then received assignment as rifle platoon commander and 81mm mortar platoon commander with 1st Battalion, 1st Marines. 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Stephen Neary had used a derogatory word for Black people during a training event in front of a group of service members, officials said. Communications Specialist 2020 THE SUN, US, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY | YOUR AD CHOICES | SITEMAP, US Marine Corps Major General Stephen Neary has been fired after he allegedly used a racial slur while speaking to black and Latino troops, Neary made the comments at an event in Germany where music that used the slur was being played, Neary allegedly asked black and Latino junior Marines if they'd mind him using the n-word after he heard it used in a song played at a military event, The interaction caused young troopers to 'lose respect' for the top general, USMC confirmed that Neary was fired on October 19 and replaced by Commandant David Berger. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, US Marine Corps Major General Stephen Neary has been fired after he allegedly used a racial slur while speaking to black and Latino troops, Neary made the comments at an event in Germany where music that used the slur was being played, Neary allegedly asked black and Latino junior Marines if they'd mind him using the n-word after he heard it used in a song played at a military event, The interaction caused young troopers to 'lose respect' for the top general, USMC confirmed that Neary was fired on October 19 and replaced by Commandant David Berger. Odom welcomed guests and fellow general officers and sergeants major before his opening remarks as commanding general. 2023 Stars and Stripes. Beaudreault congratulated Neary on his successful tenure as commanding general of 2nd MEB and attributed to Neary and his staff the success of missions across the globe such as Baltic Operations, Trident Jupiter, Maritime Prepositioning Force Exercise and Atlantic Response. Major Gen. Stephen M. Neary relinquished command of 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade to Brig. The Marines on Tuesday reportedly relieved the two-star general as top commander of Marine Corps forces in Europe and Africa less than four months after he assumed the role. I know that our Marines will continue to raise the bar as we support the Marine Corps transition to a more lethal and dynamic organization, ready to win in 21st century combat operations.. Sick letter describes horrifying threat to kidnap and kill Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. The ceremony was jointly presided over by Gen. Tod D. Wolters, commander of U.S. European Command and Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, commander of U.S. Africa Command Maj. Gen. Stephen M. Neary was relieved of command by Marine Corps Commandant Gen. David Berger on Monday, the Corps announced in a terse news release. Neary said (the word) should never be used and it is a word of hate, according toa statement by one of the Marine witnesses. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The service announced the same day that Commandant David Berger had relieved Neary on October 19. Maj. Gen. Stephen Neary's dismissal from his position as commander of US Marine Forces Europe was deemed justified in a review recently released by the Inspector General of the Marine Corps. Neary ordered the Marines to turn off the music with the offensive language, saying that allowing it to be played could give the impression that he and other Marines condoned the words in it.