The Navy said Tuesday that it has discharged 23 active-duty sailors for refusing the coronavirus vaccine, marking the first time it has thrown currently serving sailors out of the military over the mandatory shots.
The discharges came as the Navy released new COVID-19 guidance that requires all deployed sailors and air crew to be vaccinated, but relaxes some quarantine practices on ships based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Vice Adm. William Merz, the Navy’s deputy chief of operations, said there have been COVID outbreaks on a number of ships, but they have been "statistically insignificant" and have had no impact on naval operations. Merz declined to say how many ships have seen outbreaks. He said the latest CDC guidelines, which shortened isolation times, have made it easier for ships to continue operating even if a small number of the crew become infected.The Navy discharges come as the number of troops removed from the military due to vaccine refusals begins to climb across the services.
The Air Force and Navy have also discharged entry-level service members going through their boot camps, who hadn't yet reported to their service jobs. There have been 22 Navy and 37 Air Force recruits who have been sent home.Biden administration officially withdraws COVID-19 vaccine rule
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