The head of the Navy SEALs Naval Special Warfare won't be getting a second star after all, following a review of his promotion, according to the Navy's top spokeswoman.
Rear Adm. Brian Losey, a former SEAL Team 6 commander who was selected to promote to rear admiral (upper half) back in 2011, had been waiting to move up while the inspector general looked into multiple complaints of whistleblower retaliation, The Washington Post first reported last year; these investigators concluded that Losey had retaliated against a subordinate for raising concerns about his travel expenses.
Following threats from lawmakers concerned about promoting an admiral found to have retaliated against subordinates, they didn't take a second look at Losey, Navy Secretary Ray Mabus began a review of the promotion earlier this year.
"The standards for promotion of today's flag and general officers have never been higher, but the failure to promote does not diminish the achievements of a lifetime of service," Rear Adm. Dawn Cutler, head of the Navy's Office of Information, told Navy Times in a statement.
Losey plans to retire, she added, after he passes command onto Rear Adm. Timothy Szymanski, though a date has not been set.
"While the full scope of his service may never be known, his brilliant leadership of special operators in the world's most challenging operational environments, including multiple combat tours, reflected his incredible talent, energy and devotion to mission," Cutler said.
A 33-year veteran, Losey has commanded Naval Special Warfare since 2013.
Meghann Myers is the Pentagon bureau chief at Military Times. She covers operations, policy, personnel, leadership and other issues affecting service members.
