Debunking foreign-born rumors about Rear Admiral Charles M. Gaouette
Friday, November 2, 2012 at 8:42AM 
Vessels from 5 different nations sail in parade formation. The group included the USS John C. Stennis, the USS Port Royal and the USS John F. Kennedy. (Image U.S. Navy ID 020418-N-1587C-030; via Wikipedia)By Kerry Patton
As the Presidential race comes to a close, some Americans are getting heated about conspiracies rather than the true problem at hand. That problem—America lacks true leadership to keep this great nation afloat.
One specific rumor is about a man who keeps an entire Navy fleet afloat.
Only a week or so ago, rumors went rampant about General Carter Ham being apprehended and fired from Africa Command (AFRICOM). This myth has been repeatedly proved untrue by multiple reports.
The most recent rumor, spread by activists and some international media, is about another tactician─Rear Admiral Charles M. Gaouette. The rumor revolves around his supposed actions serving as a co-conspirator with General Ham to overthrow the US government were President Obama to be re-elected.
Unfortunately, some Americans seem adamant about what they want to believe. If you want to listen to my remarks about politicization of the Benghazi crisis, I discussed it during a recent nationally syndicated radio show.
I am a conservative. I am a conservative who believes in freedom of speech, press, religion, you name it. I swore to an oath my entire adult life to protect and defend the US Constitution. I still live by that oath.
Like many patriots, through multiple capacities ranging from military operations, contractual operations, and intelligence operations, I fought to preserve these American freedoms. So don’t tread on me!
I am repulsed by what some activists are saying these days. When I hear about derogatory rumors being spread about military commanders who serve in tactical roles, I am angered. I am a tactician and I have a love for my fellow tacticians willing to risk life and limb for this great nation.
I’ll be damned if I'll ignore anyone, especially those who never served, who assists in fueling a fire merely for political interests by spreading rumors about real American patriots like Army Ranger and General Ham.
Anyone responsible for an entire US Naval fleet, should receive respect—as should any American patriot willing to risk his or her life for this great nation. These members of our military do not deserve rumors to be spread.
Gaouette has been temporarily relieved of duty. Note that I say temporarily. He faces an IG investigation within the U.S. Navy for reasons no one knows.
What is known is that Gaouette did not co-conspire with Ham to conduct any form of government overthrow. If these rumors were to be true, both officers would be behind bars for charges punishable by death according to the Uniform Code of Military Justice until they faced trial. These officers are not behind bars.
We know the rumors about Gaouette to be untrue simply by looking at the Stennis Battle Group’s movement. The Stennis launched for an eight month deployment from the west coast of the United States on Aug 27th.
Its route consisted of the west Pacific, then the north Arabian Sea, followed by the Persian Gulf. No way did they make it to 5th Fleet’s location in only two weeks based on that route.
While no one knows the reasons for the IG investigation, we do know there is no way a conspiracy unfolded between a two star, Rear Admiral Charles M. Gaouette, and a four star, General Carter Ham.
Whoever started these rumors has an agenda. Is it an agenda likely meant to fuel more Americans to vote against President Obama?
I want nothing more than to see the current Commander-in-Chief lose this coming election.
However, it is critical to do things in an ethical fashion. Real conservatives are ethical people. We have been lied to time and time again by politicians from both sides of the political spectrum and multiple media outlets alike.
We have faced an array of disinformation campaigns. But no one should ever stoop to such standards.
People risk everything for this nation to protect freedom. It is critical we do not abuse those freedoms. It is critical that we protect those who protect us and one way of doing that is by stopping any derogatory rumors, especially rumors dealing with America’s warriors.
Editor’s Note: The rumors appear to come from government controlled media in Iran. Fox News reported more about Gaouette:
Rear Adm. Charles M. Gaouette is being sent back to the USS John C. Stennis' home port at Bremerton, Wash., in what the Navy called a temporary reassignment. The Navy said he is not formally relieved of his command of the Stennis strike group but will be replaced by Rear Adm. Troy M. Shoemaker, who will assume command until the investigation is completed
~~Guest contributor Kerry Patton, a combat disabled veteran, is the author of Contracted: America's Secret Warriors (scheduled release Dec, 2012.). You can follow Patton on Facebook or at kerry-patton.com.
Reader Comments (5)
Kerry, thanks for addressing these outrageous rumors. Seems to me, however, this particular rumor might actually inspire sympathy for our current president, especially considering the apparent source of the rumor--Iran state-controlled media.
Are these the rumors that Ham was getting ready to rescue the people obama was allowing to be murdered at Benghazi and was relieved of command for do so?
Jim, I think that's one of them. There have been many. I admit I have questions about these men, but until facts emerge, I've refused to speculate. The rumors about Gaouette came straight from the mullahs as best I can tell. I'll ask Kerry to weigh in on your question. best, Kay
Everything involved in the Benghazi mess has been so scurrilous that I will believe the rumors until Obama comes out and puts them to rest. He is simply trying to run out the clock and those who assist him in that effort do a great disservice to the voters of this country.
Janet, you're right about that. What concerns me greatly is the undermining of our First Amendment with the president and Mrs. Clinton's constant harping on that obscure film. best, KBD