To My Fellow Naval Academy Graduates and Other Veterans

When we took our oath of office, we swore to "support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic." That oath had no expiration date.

Today, I'm deeply troubled to see a lawful permanent resident detained without charge, apparently for his political speech and activism. Khalil is not on a visa—he's a green card holder with constitutional protections. Yet he sits in detention with no formal charges filed.

This isn't about whether we agree with his views. It's about the principles we swore to defend.

As military officers, we've resisted regimes where citizens disappear for their political speech. We've witnessed what happens when governments detain people without due process. We went to sea against regimes that silence dissent through force rather than countering it with better ideas.

We didn't serve to bring those practices home.

Remember what we learned about leadership at the Academy and throughout our careers: True strength comes not from silencing opposition but from upholding principles even when—especially when—it's difficult.

The First Amendment doesn't protect only speech we agree with. The right to due process isn't reserved only for those whose politics align with the administration in power.

I'm surprised and disappointed by the silence from so many who normally champion constitutional rights. Our oath wasn't contingent on partisan politics. We didn't swear to defend only the parts of the Constitution that serve our preferred party or ideology.

Whether you lean right or left, this precedent should disturb you. Today it's someone whose views you may find objectionable. Tomorrow, it could be anyone.

So I'm asking you, as brothers and sisters who once stood together in defense of our Constitution: Where do you stand now? Will you speak up? Or will you stand by while the very freedoms we fought to protect erode before our eyes?

The uniform may be hanging in the closet, but the oath remains.

Semper Fidelis to the Constitution