A spokesman for U.S. Marine Forces in Europe and Africa referred ABC News to the Marine Corps statement. Brigadier General Neary was born in Boston, Massachusetts. He referred back to his 45-day assessment written when he assumed command of 2nd MEB. His next assignment was as company commander and operations officer with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines. 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. A preliminary investigation showed Maj. Gen. Stephen Neary had used a derogatory word for Black people during a training event in front of a group of service members, officials said. 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. 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. Marine Corps). He served during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. 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. The investigation came in response to complaints from Marines who claimed Neary used the N-word in front of them. Neary was commissioned in the United States Marine Corps as a second lieutenant after graduation from Virginia Military Institute in 1988. 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. View our online Press Pack. A career infantryman, he has held command at all levels, including 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment during Operation Enduring Freedom, 4th Marine Regiment in Okinawa, Japan, and assistant commander of 2nd Marine Division. 843.953.3722, Chelsea Harper The Marines announced Tuesday that Commandant David Berger had relieved Maj. Gen. Stephen Neary as commander of Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa on Oct. 19. (Jered T. Stone/U.S. News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. The investigation into the incident is still ongoing, Capt. The witness told Stars and Stripes that his comment stunned the young Marines who said that even if Neary "was attempting to be instructive about the taboo nature of the word, it came as a shock to hear it from a white general officer.". He graduated from the Virginia Military Institute and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in May 1988. 5 Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? 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. As a major general, Neary assumed command of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe & Africa located in July 2020. Who is James Dale Reed and why was he arrested in Maryland. Neary replaced Maj. Gen. Patrick J. Hermesmann, who led U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa for the past year and is retiring. You cannot play songs that use the n-word in it because it is counter to good order and discipline. While the Marine Corps has the smallest number of forces in Europe among the Pentagon branches, its mission has grown in recent years. 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. We stand ready to provide a ready MEB command element prepared for crisis and contingency.. He lost respect right there, a junior Marine told Stars and Stripes. Stephen M. Neary is a retired[citation needed] U.S. Marine major general who previously served as commanding general, United States Marine Forces Europe and Africa. 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 . 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. Unit Home; Welcome Aboard; News; Photos; Contact Us; Marine Corps The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. Zach Watson Major General Stephen M. Neary assumed his duties as the new commander, receiving the headquarters organizational colors from the outgoing commander, Maj. Gen. Patrick J. Hermesmann. The Marines statement went on to say that Neary told the group that the N-word is the reason you people are doing riots in the U.S., Neary acknowledged saying the N-word once but denied that he had repeated it, as other Marines alleged. The reason: loss of trust and . 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. Director of Communications Neary allegedly asked junior Marines how they felt about the N-word while they were conducting physical training with rap music using the word on in the background, which prompted Neary to ask the junior Marines how they would feel if he said it, and then said it, a lance corporal present told Stripes. This page is not available in other languages. We have a problem when we think it is acceptable. What is #MeToobin and why is it trending? 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. 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. A witness to the incident told Stripes that after hearing some of the musical artists use a racial slur, Neary asked junior Marines nearby how they would feel if he used the word. 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. 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. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. 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. Military Wiki is a FANDOM Lifestyle Community. His staff assignments include tactics instructor, The Basic School; the Future Operations Officer of the 4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (AT); Plans and Executive Officer for 8th Marine Regiment in support of Operation Secure Tomorrow in Haiti; Plans Observer Trainer with the Joint Warfighting Center J7 in Suffolk, Virginia; commanding officer, Marine Recruiting Station, New Jersey; and branch chief of the Programs Assessment Branch, Programs and Resources, Headquarters Marine Corps. His staff assignments include tactics instructor, The Basic School; the Future Operations Officer of the 4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (AT); Plans and Executive Officer for 8th Marine Regiment in support of Operation Secure Tomorrow in Haiti; Plans Observer Trainer with the Joint Warfighting Center J7 in Suffolk, Virginia; Commanding officer, Marine Recruiting Station, New Jersey; and Branch Chief of the Programs Assessment Branch, Programs and Resources, Headquarters Marine Corps. 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. Earlier this week, Stars & Stripes reported that Maj. Gen. Stephen Neary, the two-star general in charge of U.S. Marines in Europe and Africa, was under investigation for allegations that. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. All Rights Reserved. He had served as a company commander in both Desert Shield. Lt. Gen. Brian D. Beaudreault, commanding general of II Marine Expeditionary Force, opened the ceremony by speaking about the important role the MEB has played in the grand scheme of the Marine Expeditionary Forces mission. 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. We now have a bit more on the topic amid news that the Commandant of the Marine Corps has relieved Maj Gen Neary from his command of US Marine Forces Europe and Africa. Communications Specialist ". Brig. 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 The quality and diligence of the Marines and sailors assigned to 2nd MEB continue to impress me, Neary said. Neary joined the Marines in 1988 and was a career infantry officer who served in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm as a company commander and as a battalion commander during Operation. 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. [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. 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. 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.". Sick letter describes horrifying threat to kidnap and kill Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. The general joined the Corps in 1988 and was a career infantry officer who served in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm as a company commander and as a battalion commander during Operation Iraqi Freedom, according to his official unit biography. US Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Stephen Neary, the commander of Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa, was relieved by Gen. David H. Berger, the commandant of the Marine Corps, "due to a loss of. Major Gen. Stephen M. Neary relinquished command of 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade to Brig. 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. Deputy Director, Joint Training, Joint Staff J7 . (0 members and 1 guests). Maj Michael Woods, who has served as the commands sergeant major since 2018. 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]. Though no official reason was given for why Neary was relieved of command, a U.S. official confirmed to ABC News that accounts of his alleged use of a racial slur, first published by Stars and Stripes, were what prompted his removal. Major Gen. Stephen M. Neary relinquished command of 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade to Brig. He is a graduate of the University of Delaware. Originally from Boston, Neary graduated from the Virginia Military Institute in 1988 and served in both Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Marine Col. Jame Iulo will be acting commander of the forces, according to the press release. He lost respect right there, a junior Marine told Stars and Stripes. 2023 Stars and Stripes. 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. Neary took command of Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa July 8, according to a Marine Corps press release. They are a great team, and I am honored to be with them. STUTTGART, Germany Maj. Gen. Stephen M. Neary took command of Marine Corps missions in Europe and Africa on Wednesday during a change-in-leadership ceremony at Panzer Kaserne in Boeblingen. Gen. Stephen M. Neary, then the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade commanding general, answers questions during an interview at Morehead City, N.C., Sept. 28, 2018. The report, completed in December 2020, came two months after Neary was relieved of command by Gen. David H. Berger. The MEB has been the lead of this formation and making it all come together, Beaudreault said. For additional information contact U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa Communication Strategy and Operations officer at mfea_commstrat@usmc.mil. Gen. David H. Berger, the commandant of the Marine Corps, removed Maj. Gen. Stephen M. Neary on Monday "due to a loss of trust and confidence in his ability to serve in command," the service . Neary said he repeated the word to teach the Marines. Neary was relieved due to a loss of trust and confidence in his ability to serve in command, said a Tuesday press release from Headquarters Marine Corps. Maj. Aaron G. McDonald assumed the responsibilities of sergeant major for the headquarters, relieving Sgt. Neary served in Desert Storm and as a company and battalion commander in the Iraq War, the Marine Corps Times reported. He graduated from The Basic School and the Infantry Officers Course, then received assignment as rifle platoon commander and 81 mm mortar platoon commander with 1st Battalion, 1st Marines. Junior Marines, however, said they were shocked by Nearys use of the full N-word and the tone of his admonishment. An internal investigation was conducted by the Inspector General of the Marine Corps on the July 2020 incident that involved Maj. Gen. Stephen Neary and a group of Marines in Stuttgart, Germany. Neary previously served as the II Marine Expeditionary Force deputy commander and commander of the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade. As a major general, Neary assumed command of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe & Africa in July 2020. Mason | October 21, 2020 Maj Gen Stephen Neary We talked about General Neary when the story first broke about his alleged use of a racial slur. Maj Michael Woods, who had served as the commands sergeant major since 2018. 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. His next assignment was as Company Commander and Operations Officer with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines. 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. 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. Neary said (the word) should never be used and it is a word of hate, according toa statement by one of the Marine witnesses. Im deeply proud of the accomplishments of our Marines and Sailors, said Hermesmann. 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.". Neary said farewell to his Marines and sailors, reflecting on his two-year tenure as commanding general. Courtesy Story 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. Gen. David L. Odom, a Hartsville native and 1991 graduate of The Citadel, during a change of command ceremony Friday at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Neary, who assumed command of Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa in July, previously served as deputy commander of the II Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Lejeune, N.C. As a battalion commander, he led Marines during Operation Iraqi Freedom in Fallujah and Ramadi. 8 Jul 2020| 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. Following his promotion to Colonel, Neary assumed command of 4th Marine Regiment from June 2010 to July 2012. 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. Odoms prior assignment was as the commanding general of Task Force Southwest during Operation Resolute Support in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Marine Corps Forces Europe. Brigadier General Neary was born in Boston, Massachusetts. 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. Langley replaced Maj. Gen. Stephen Neary, who was relieved of command last month while the service investigates allegations he used a racial slur that denigrates Black people in front of his. Neary was commissioned in the United States Marine Corps as a second lieutenant after graduation from Virginia Military Institute in 1988. John covers U.S. military activities across Europe and Africa. Like driving the Batmobile into the future: Air Force uses JLTV in mission for 1st time, Refreshed US-Philippine relations revive fighter jet training paused 3 decades ago, In war, Japans coast guard would become arm of countrys Defense Ministry, Reports of sexual assaults increased in Navy, Air Force and Marines in 2022; Army saw decline, New bill aims to expand mental health care for military families, K-Town Now features the latest news from the Kaiserslautern Military Community. Marine General Officer with extensive executive leadership and operational management experience in complex organizations on 5 continents. 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. Odom welcomed guests and fellow general officers and sergeants major before his opening remarks as commanding general. Neary is currently serving as the deputy commanding general, II Marine. The service announced the same day that Commandant David Berger had relieved Neary on October 19. He helped unionize the office employees at the company and then served on the municipal council. Why was Maj. Gen Stephen Neary fired from US Marine Corps? 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. Marine Corps Times has not yet been able to reach Neary for comment. (Tawanya Norwood/U.S. (U.S. Marine Corps). Joseph Butterfield told Marine Corps Times Tuesday. He served during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Brigadier General Stephen M. Neary . 46: 46 "Breehn Ho!" Tony Infante Nelson Boles, Spencer Rothbell, and Tony Infante (story) Niki Yang and Stephen P. Neary Neary acknowledged his use of the N-word in that instance, according to his statements contained in the IG report. Like driving the Batmobile into the future: Air Force uses JLTV in mission for 1st time, Refreshed US-Philippine relations revive fighter jet training paused 3 decades ago, In war, Japans coast guard would become arm of countrys Defense Ministry, Reports of sexual assaults increased in Navy, Air Force and Marines in 2022; Army saw decline, New bill aims to expand mental health care for military families, K-Town Now features the latest news from the Kaiserslautern Military Community. Neary had assumed the role of the top commander of Marine forces in Europe and Africa on July 8. All Rights Reserved. Headline - ESG2 Commander visits II MEB 180906-M-AS512-003.jpg 2,425 2,394; 901 KB. Neary worked at the Argentia Naval Base until 1945 before moving to a job at the Dominion Steel Company on Bell Island. Gen. David Berger, the commandant of the Marine Corps, relieved Maj. Gen. Stephen Neary of his command of Marine Forces Europe and Africa due to a "loss of trust and confidence in his ability to serve in command," the Marines announced Tuesday. Marine Corps). At the same ceremony, Sgt. 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. The IG concluded that Neary had failed to demonstrate exemplary conduct.. Deputy Director, Joint Training, Joint Staff J7 . Major General Stephen M. Neary is seen in this undated photo. He also denied saying you people.. [2] Commander fired after Marine Corps AAV accident that killed 9, US report shows China taking steps toward space dominance, Biden to allow Afghans to stay longer in US, sources say, Michigan expands absentee voting for military members, Some companies charge hefty fees to help vets with disability claims, Meet 12M+, the new community app for military spouses, Your next tech and incoming AI | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 4.28.2023, Home Improvement Loans What are my options? He led the battalion in combat during Operation Iraqi Freedom in Fallujah and Ramadi. Stars and Stripes reporter Chad Garland contributed to this report. from around the world. Also at the ceremony, Sgt. Why was Maj. Gen Stephen Neary fired from US Marine Corps? 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. A copy of the report recently was provided to Stars and Stripes. 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. 843.953.1331, Hartsville native, Citadel graduate assumes command of 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, 171 Moultrie Street | Charleston, SC 29409 | 843.225.3294, Remembering former CAA President Drury Chip Charles Nimmich Jr., 76, Preparing for The Citadel Class of 2023 commencement ceremonies, Upcoming News from The Citadel May and summer 2023, Veteran Business Outreach Center to launch May 1 at The Citadel, will provide support to veteran small business owners, A visit to the past as the Capers Hall Replacement Project wraps up, The Citadel recognizes Team of the Year and Employee of the Year, as well as spring 2023 Presidential Award Winners. Maj. Gen. Stephen M. Neary, then the commander of Marine Forces Europe and Africa, speaks to Marines from Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa 20.2, at Moron Air Base, Spain, July 27, 2020. 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