Major Gen. Stephen M. Neary relinquished command of 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade to Brig. The investigation came in response to complaints from Marines who claimed Neary used the N-word in front of them. 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 . Zach Watson We have a problem when we think it is acceptable. Marine General Officer with extensive executive leadership and operational management experience in complex organizations on 5 continents. 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. Stephen Aloysius Neary (1925-1996) is a former politician and cabinet minister in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. He led the battalion in combat during Operation Iraqi Freedom in Fallujah and Ramadi. from around the world. 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. Neary replaced Maj. Gen. Patrick J. Hermesmann, who led U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa for the past year and is retiring. He helped unionize the office employees at the company and then served on the municipal council. 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. 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. Peter Talleri and Stephen Neary USMC-02284.jpg Look what is going on across our country, Neary said in his account to the IG of what he told Marines. United States Marine Forces Europe and Africa, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, "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://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Stephen_M._Neary&oldid=1117090491, This page was last edited on 19 October 2022, at 21:50. 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.". A native of Boston, Maj. Gen. Neary had joined the Marine Corps in 1988 after graduating from the Virginia Military Institue, (VMI). 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. What is #MeToobin and why is it trending? 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. (U.S. Marine Corps). The report, completed in December 2020, came two months after Neary was relieved of command by Gen. David H. Berger. Following his promotion to Colonel, Neary assumed command of 4th Marine Regiment from June 2010 to July 2012. The U.S. Marine Corps has removed a general from command after an investigation into the general allegedly using a racial slur. 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.. A spokesman for U.S. Marine Forces in Europe and Africa referred ABC News to the Marine Corps statement. 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. 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.". 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. Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. 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. All Rights Reserved. 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. 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. Maj. Gen. Stephen Neary had assumed the role on July 8. 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. Neary said (the word) should never be used and it is a word of hate, according toa statement by one of the Marine witnesses. STUTTGART, Germany A former commander of U.S. Marines in Europe who used a racial slur when speaking to junior troops violated the Corps standards for leadership, an internal investigation determined. Brigadier General Neary was born in Boston, Massachusetts. Marine Corps Times has not yet been able to reach Neary for comment. 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. Gen. Stephen M. Neary has been nominated for appointment to the rank of major general. He is a graduate of the University of Delaware. Maj. Aaron G. McDonald took over as the senior enlisted leader for the Marines in Europe and Africa. 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. The investigation into the incident continues, but enough information had emerged that led Berger to relieve Neary of his command, the official told ABC News. 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 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. Stephen M. Neary is a U.S. Marine major general who previously served as Commanding General, United States Marine Forces Europe and Africa . But the testimony of Marines who made the complaints was found to be consistent, and the report asserts that their statements corroborated one another. A Career Infantry Officer, Brigadier General Neary served with First Battalion, First Marines as . 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. 46: 46 "Breehn Ho!" Tony Infante Nelson Boles, Spencer Rothbell, and Tony Infante (story) Niki Yang and Stephen P. Neary Communications Specialist 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. 2023 Stars and Stripes. Unit Home; Welcome Aboard; News; Photos; Contact Us; Marine Corps A copy of the report recently was provided to Stars and Stripes. While the Marine Corps has the smallest number of forces in Europe among the Pentagon branches, its mission has grown in recent years. 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. 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. He lost respect right there, a junior Marine told 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. The service announced the same day that Commandant David Berger had relieved Neary on October 19. Marine Corps Forces Europe. Why was Maj. Gen Stephen Neary fired from US Marine Corps? Director of Communications This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. 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. 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. As a lieutenant colonel, Neary assumed command of 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines in July 2004. 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. 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. Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets 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. 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. Scott Olson/Getty Images. 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. Based in Stuttgart, Germany, he previously worked for newspapers in New Jersey, North Carolina and Maryland. Maj Michael Woods, who had served as the commands sergeant major since 2018. On the morning of July 22, 2020, Neary had just finished a run and was at the pullup bars doing physical training when he overheard rapper Big Ls song Put it on, which was being played by a separate group of Marines doing PT. 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. His next assignment was as company commander and operations officer with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines. Neary acknowledged his use of the N-word in that instance, according to his statements contained in the IG report. 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. Neary had assumed the role of the top commander of Marine forces in Europe and Africa on July 8. Maj. Gen. Stephen Neary, a two-star general in charge of. Neary was commissioned in the United States Marine Corps as a second lieutenant after graduation from Virginia Military Institute in 1988. 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. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. We stand ready to provide a ready MEB command element prepared for crisis and contingency.. 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. 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. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. 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. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. 8 Jul 2020| 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. 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. His next assignment was as Company Commander and Operations Officer with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines. 5 Neary was commissioned in the United States Marine Corps as a second lieutenant after graduation from Virginia Military Institute in 1988. 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. 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. Brigadier General Stephen M. Neary . The report was obtained Friday following a private individuals Freedom of Information Act request. 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. 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. [2] 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. Stars and Stripes reporter Chad Garland contributed to this report. 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. 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. He graduated from the Virginia Military Institute and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in May 1988. (Tawanya Norwood/U.S. 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. 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. 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 located in July 2020. 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 He graduated from the Virginia Military Institute and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in May 1988. For additional information contact U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa Communication Strategy and Operations officer at mfea_commstrat@usmc.mil.