The commander of the U.S. military installation in Greenland, Colonel Susannah Meyers, has been terminated from her position following an internal email that distanced her from recent remarks made by Vice-President JD Vance regarding Denmark's responsibilities in the region. The U.S. Space Operations Command cited a "loss of confidence in her ability to lead" as the reason for her dismissal from Pituffik Space Base.
Vance had criticized Denmark during a recent visit, asserting that the country is not adequately investing in the security of Greenland, which is a territory of Denmark. In her email, Meyers stated that Vance's criticism did not represent the views of the base, prompting military officials to take action against her, as confirmed by Military.com.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell remarked on social media that actions undermining command structure or the directives of the President will not be tolerated within the military. Following Col. Meyers' removal, Col. Shawn Lee has been appointed as her successor. The Space Force has emphasized the importance of nonpartisanship in military operations.
During Vance's visit, he reiterated former President Trump's proposals to consider the annexation of Greenland for security reasons. However, both Greenland and Denmark have formed a united stance against such assertions, with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen publicly rebuffing the notion of annexation and asserting Denmark's commitment to bolstering its military presence in the Arctic.
Greenland has been under Danish governance for over three centuries and possesses the right to initiate an independence referendum, although the population largely prefers autonomy and self-determination over U.S. incorporation. The recent political exchanges highlight the complex dynamics of sovereignty, security, and military governance in the Arctic region.
Vance had criticized Denmark during a recent visit, asserting that the country is not adequately investing in the security of Greenland, which is a territory of Denmark. In her email, Meyers stated that Vance's criticism did not represent the views of the base, prompting military officials to take action against her, as confirmed by Military.com.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell remarked on social media that actions undermining command structure or the directives of the President will not be tolerated within the military. Following Col. Meyers' removal, Col. Shawn Lee has been appointed as her successor. The Space Force has emphasized the importance of nonpartisanship in military operations.
During Vance's visit, he reiterated former President Trump's proposals to consider the annexation of Greenland for security reasons. However, both Greenland and Denmark have formed a united stance against such assertions, with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen publicly rebuffing the notion of annexation and asserting Denmark's commitment to bolstering its military presence in the Arctic.
Greenland has been under Danish governance for over three centuries and possesses the right to initiate an independence referendum, although the population largely prefers autonomy and self-determination over U.S. incorporation. The recent political exchanges highlight the complex dynamics of sovereignty, security, and military governance in the Arctic region.
