US Navy commanders 'discounted' Starlink to use banned Wi-Fi on warship to watch movies

In June, the US Navy fired and demoted one of its commanders, but it has now come to light that the woman was not acting alone.

According to the website Navy Times, which reviewed the findings of a further investigation, Senior Commander Grizel Marrero conspired with other leaders aboard the coastal combat ship USS Manchester to secure internet access on the vessel.

The leadership contributed to the purchase of a Starlink antenna and the subscription fees, subsequently using a Wi-Fi network named "STINKY" for watching movies and sporting events, as well as for messaging. Meanwhile, the enlisted sailors had no access to the internet at all.

It was previously reported that sailors attempted to file complaints with the ship's captain regarding Marrero's actions, but she intercepted the message — meanwhile, it has recently come to light that the captain was also involved in the illegal scheme.

For various reasons, crew access to the internet is strictly regulated while underway — primarily to maintain mission bandwidth and protect against online attacks.

In September, Marrero was relieved of her position and subsequently demoted from E-8 to E-7 following a judicial investigation. Investigative actions concerning other conspirators, particularly the ship's captain, are still ongoing.