Vice Adm. Shoshana Chatfield Dismissed from NATO Role Amid Diversity Controversy
- Victor Nwoko
- Apr 8
- 3 min read
U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Shoshana Chatfield, the only woman serving on NATO’s military committee, was removed from her position over the weekend by the Trump administration, according to U.S. officials speaking on condition of anonymity.
Although no official reason was provided for her dismissal, multiple officials indicated the move was likely tied to public statements Chatfield made in support of diversity within the military. She reportedly received a call from Adm. Christopher Grady, the acting chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, informing her that the administration wanted to move “in a different direction” regarding the position.
Sources believe the decision was made last week by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, though it remains unclear whether he acted independently or with direction from President Donald Trump. Chatfield’s removal marks the third time a high-ranking female officer has been dismissed since Trump took office. In February, Hegseth announced the firing of Adm. Lisa Franchetti, Chief of Naval Operations, and Trump dismissed Adm. Linda Fagan, the Commandant of the Coast Guard, one day after his inauguration.
Trump and Hegseth have been outspoken in their opposition to so-called “woke” policies, launching a broad campaign to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives from military leadership and infrastructure. Chatfield was listed by the conservative American Accountability Foundation as one of several senior officers allegedly promoting such policies. In a letter to Hegseth, the organization argued that “purging the woke from the military is imperative” and called for the removal of leaders involved with DEI efforts.
The letter cited Chatfield’s past public support of diversity initiatives, including a 2015 speech on Women’s Equality Day, where she emphasized the importance of empowering women to unlock human potential. It also referenced a LinkedIn post she made supporting a diversity summit, and her use of the phrase, “our diversity is our strength,” a statement that Hegseth has repeatedly criticized.
Chatfield, a Navy helicopter pilot and Bronze Star recipient, has served in both the Pacific and Persian Gulf and led a joint reconstruction team in Afghanistan. She was also senior military assistant to the supreme allied commander in Europe and most recently held a seat among 32 representatives on NATO’s military committee, the body responsible for providing military advice to the North Atlantic Council and NATO’s Nuclear Planning Group.
A native of Garden Grove, California, Chatfield earned her undergraduate degree from Boston University, a master’s from Harvard University, and a doctorate from the University of San Diego.
Her firing has drawn criticism from political leaders, including Senator Mark Warner of Virginia, who expressed deep concern over the decision. Warner stated that the removal of decorated military officials and continued attacks on U.S. alliances undermine national security and damage the country’s global standing.
The broader campaign to dismantle DEI programs and remove related content from Defense Department platforms has faced increasing scrutiny from lawmakers, local officials, and citizens, particularly over the erasure of military heroes and historic references from public channels.
In its letter to Hegseth, the accountability foundation insisted that military leadership should focus solely on enhancing combat effectiveness, not promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
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