Margaret Sue Bozgoz 3553 Burr CT Unit A Fort George G. Meade, MD 20755-1239 March 26, 2024 International Criminal Court Po Box 19519 2500 CM, The Hague ‘The Netherlands ‘The Honorable Lloyd J Austin Mr. Christopher Miller Secretary Of Defense 1000 Defense Pentagon Washington DC 20301-1000 ‘The Honorable John P. Coffey General Counsel of the Navy 1000 Navy Pentagon Room 4D852 Washington, DC 20350 Captain David Snowden, CDR U.S.S. Harry 8, Truman (CVN-75) lo Naval Air Force Atiantic 1562 Mitscher Ave STE 300 Norfolk, VA 23551-2427 General Paul M. Nakasone, USA Commander, U.S. Cyber Command 9800 Savage RD Fort Meade, MD 20755-5999, General B. Chance Saltzman Chief of Space Operations 2020 US. Space Force Pentagon, STE 4858 ‘Washington, DC 20330-2000 Justice Anna Maria Riezinger, Fiduciary The United States of America PO BOX 520994 Big Lake AK 99652-0994 SUBJECT: Interference with Americans Disability Act (ADA) Selective Prosecution of ETN2 Noah Smith Gentlemen and Justice Anna: The events that triggered this letter are the Command's reneging on its promise to leave ETN2 Noah Smith alone by calling him on or about 23 March 2024 at 1030 pm and ordering him to report to the U.S.S. Harry S. Truman at 1400 the next day. He was refused admittance and remained stalled at the pier for hours.From 16 March to date, | have asked for 1990 ADA Reasonable Accommodation for Noah to stay away from the boat as itis his trigger (Exhibit 1). In Oct 2023, Noah's board-certified doctors ordered ADA reasonable accommodation for Noah to out-process from the Navy. The Navy had 30 days to process Noah out of the service but failed. The Doctor and Noah tracked his paperwork on the Admiral's. desk. (On or about 14 Feb 2024, Noah informed me that the Navy was going to violate his board doctors’ orders and send him and 15 other sailors with mental challenges out to sea versus processing them out of the Navy and or getting them proper medical care. There is one doctor for approximately 150 sailors. “That mission” was canceled. To protect Noah and the other sailors, | requested an Emergency OSHA investigation as see: https:/www. bitchute.com/channelWTXWnbI8YhXG/ On 16 Feb 2024, | filed a lawsuit and lien against the Navy for human rights violations. | also requested an OSHA investigation because Noah and the other sailors were suicidal. Suicide is a recurring issue in this program. See attached (Exhibit 2) On 24 Feb 2024, the Navy retaliated against Noah and fifteen other sailors by calling them to the formation on a Saturday and arresting Thomas Distin for saying, "| AM HUMAN", ‘On 26 Feb 2024, | drove from Maryland to Virginia to talk to the legal representative as | wanted to understand why the Navy was ignoring my ADA reasonable accommodation request for Noah and the other sailors | brought the legal documents to Lieutenant Commander Peters and gave him (1) a copy of the lien, (2) a lawsuit, and (3) an ADA reasonable accommodation request (e.g., stay away from the boatitrigger). Lieutenant Commander Peters lied about ADA's reasonable accommodation to cover his commander's crimes against humanity, human rights, and corporate charter violations. | have yet to have the interactive meeting. See: httos://www_bitchute,com/channelWTXWnbI8YhXG/ On or about 1 March 2024 Noah suffered an attack and was admitted to the hospital (again) On § March 2024, Noah was told by criminal investigators that he was not allowed to go near the ship because he allegedly made threats to harm himself and others. He was also told that his outing from the Navy would be expedited. From & March to 26 March 2024, he was allowed to work from home. On 25 March 2024, Noah voluntarily went to the boat to check on his out-processing packet against his ADA RAas his command kept him in the dark. When he left the boat, his command ordered him back to the boat and read him his rights. They said they were(1) ignoring the 1990 ADA RA request and (2) his place of duty was at the ship where he was a threat to himself and others. In addition, they briefed Noah that he would have a Captain's Mast for being late to a formation in January 2024. Before this, the only thing he had been i to be briefed by a Lieutenant Commander regarding returning to ci Because ETN2 refuses to repudiate his ADA Advocate Margaret Sue Bozgoz, a Native Hawaiian from representing him the Command has perjured itself by invoking a Captain's Mast for an infraction, which at best, would warrant an adverse counseling or a letter of admonition. If you have questions or need additional information, you may contact me by email at AdaAdvocateSueBozq0z@amail.com or by telephone at 410-858-0107, Respectfully Submitted,Exhibit 1Margaret S. Bozgoz 335 Burr Court Unit A Fort Meade MD, 20755 Meraaret bozaoz@comeast.net and Adaadvocatesuebozgoz@gmall.com (410) 858-0107 Feb 17, 2024 Intemational Criminal Court Information and Evidence Unit, Office of the Prosecutor Post Office Box 18518 2500 CM, The Hague, Netherlands ‘tp.informationdesk@ice-cpi.it Honorable Lloyd Austin/Christopher Miller Secretary of Defense 100 S Washington BLVD Arlington, VA 22202 ‘General Paul M Nakasone, USA ‘Commander, US Cyber Command ‘9800 Savage RD Fort George G. Meade, MD 20755 General Bryan P. Fenton, USA Commander, U.S. Speciat Operations CMD 7701 Tampa Point BL Justice Anna Maria Riezinger, Fiduciary ‘The United States of America POX 20994, Big Lake, AK 99652-0994 ‘SUBJECT: Military Support to Protect Myself and ADA Clients who are being abused by tho United States INC ICC, Generals, and Justice Anna Maria Riezinger, | am writing to you once again. We all know the military is in charge when the courts, United States INC Commanders, United States Inc Homeland Security, TSA, Airport Officials, and traitors go rogue. This case involves reoccurring 1990 ADA/1970 Rehabilitation violations against, Amooricans and Soldiers, It also involves (1) the subornation of perjury (2) fraud, (3) waste, (4) abuse, (5) and officials ignoring their oath of office, and (6) the ADA Imerference act, which are crimes againat humanity/Americans.‘As an ADA advocate and Amy Officer, my oath does nat go away when | see or know about a crime such as: 18 USC 241, 18 USC 242, 18 USC 245, 18 USC 249, 42 USC 1983 KKK, 42 USC 1985 KKK, 42 USC 1986 ADA Interference (Exhibit ___, USA INC Policies) 1990 ADA/1970 Rehab Act (Exhibi , VA Attorneys ADA Slides) and Executive Order 13164 (Exhibit___) USA INC CEO's Policies as the USA INC is a Corporation vs a nation (Exhibit Justice Anna's unrebutted Affidavit. As stated before and above, the reoccurring problem | see across the board with the UNITED STATES INC Corporation/Military is that United States Military top Leaders, HR, Courts, Prisons, Third Party Contractors, TSA, Homeland Security, Police, Airport Clerks, etc., steal, YES, | said Steal ADA funds aka American TAX DOLLARS and continue to deny ADA rights which is a Crime against DISABLED HUMANS, Veterans, Soldiers, Women, the Elderly, Children in America and the AMOORICAN people. The bottom fine is that United States inc FOREIGN PEDO contractors in America are abusing AMERICANS, especially the disabled and our soldiers/veterans. My greatest concem as an ADA Advocate and Officer is my clients are not receiving protection and due process of the law from United States Inc FOREIGN PEDO Contractors/USA INC MILITARY LEADERS! ‘The Event that Generated this 17 Feb 2024 Updato The event that generated this update includes more due process violations, subomation of perjury, and fraud as it is a matter of law that the United States Inc the Military and Subcontractors follow the law otherwise, they forfeit their right to work in America see 884, Hence, they are required to secure Public Health Hazard Bonding just in case they are sued. As a former Army Commander, Safety Officer and Homeland Security Army Officer, who worked for Generai Honore, | know if you see something, you do something especially if you have the knowledge and background to help Americans and our soldiers. | also know that Military and Homeland Security's mission is to improve the seourity of ‘Americans vs. protect their United States Inc Employees when they get caught violating or ignoring America’s GOD-GIVEN NATUAL rights.The USA INC NAVY's and Homeland Security Department's work includes customs, border, and immigration enforcement, emergency response to natural and manmade disasters, antiterrorism work, and cybersecurity. | mention Homeland Security's mission because it is not a secret that 911, the Pentagon, Pearl Harbor and Residential Schools were all an inside job by the United States INC Commanders, CEOS and top Miltary Leaders, hence the reason the Military and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was created The USA INC Military and TSA Employees would not have a job if it were not for the reoccurring fraud, waste, and abuse that their corporation created in the first place. My point is: THE REOCCURRING FRAUD STILL CONTINUES in our own backyard while USA INC Military commanders and leaders who are supposed to protect us violate our rights see my attached Declaration ref: Noah Smith and the 15 solders story. Bottom line: We are dealing with the biggest scam, as everyone awoken knows (1) 911 was an inside job: https:/Avww_bitchute.com/video/SLsHYN7RSCDS/ and (2) Commanders who violate soldiers’ rights commit TREASON. Again, we Americans Demand the following as per Chapter 11 of the Department of Defense Military Manual and attached Updated Quo Warranto: hitfps:/iwww.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodd/231 101p.pdf?ver=2 020-07-02-143157-007 (1) Full Relief (See Lien) and Quo Warranto, as this is a supplement with new ADA clients who have STANDING to sue the New Defendants (2) All Oaths of Office (3) ADA Annual training records as we want to understand why Leaders are stealing ADA funds and denying ADA rights. (4) OSAH Investigation against the Navy/Noah’s Command. (6) Military Tribunals for all Commanders who violate their oath and 1990 ADA and 1970 Rehabilitation act (See Email Dated 16 Feb 2024) As the record shows, “The People Deserve Better’...and one will never get justice in a corrupt private USA INC FOREIGN PEDO corporation, hence the reason we also request a military investigation and military tribunal for this issue |, Margaret Sue Bozgoz, Native American/Hawalian make this statement under penalty of perjury to the best of my knowledge and recollection. Margaret Sue Bézgoz, 17 Feb 2024Exhibit Summary Exhibit A: M. Sue Bozgoz's Declaration (Aifidavit to follow) Exhibit B: Noah Smith's ADA RELEASE Exhibit C: Updated QUO WARRANTO with Noah Smith and the USA INC NAVY AND COMMANDERS ADDED Exhibit D: Executive Order 13164 Exhibit E: VA's 1990 ADA/1970 Rehabilitation Act Slides. Note VA Attorneys wrote the ADA policies they don't follow. Exhibit F: 5975.1 ADA/1970 Rehabilitation Act SEE: https /vww.afge.org/contentassets/7e400cc9T1 dd4cBab5345a9f447b8082/va. Exhibit G: 18 USC 241, 242, 245, 246, 249, 42 USC 1983 KKK, 42 USC 1985 and 42 usc 1986 Exhibit H: Our original Unrebutted Affidavits that Stand as truth Hidden in the USA INC's/DODs safe server. DOD - The cover up is worse than the crime. Exhibit I: 16 Feb 2024 email to DOD, Admiral Christopher French/William Schmittle General Counsefors for the Joint Chair aka United States Inc.Exhibit A: M. Sue Bozgoz’s Declaration (Affidavit to follow)Affidavit supplement of Margaret Sue Bozgoz, ADA Advocate/Native Hawaiian Feb 16, 2024 [, Margaret Sue Bozgoz, an American/Fawaiian and ADA Advocate., | am not a corporation and do not agree to play the UNITED STATE Inc. administrative trickery games as my ADA. Clients, and 1 am protected undet my HAWAIIAN NATIONAL FLAG and as an indigenous person. { declare under penalty of perjury and can testify that all the statements made in this document and my BITCHUTE CHANNEL See: hitps://www.bitchute.com/channel/WTX WnbI8YhXG/are factual, partly from my knowledge and partly from knowledge and belief. ‘The event that generated this update is because of the following: (1) Noah Smith, a Native Hawaiian/Indigenous Person and soldier assigned to the USS Harry S Truman contacted me. He informed me that he and approximately 15 other soldiers were challenged with mental issues, which is on military hospital records. (2) Noah Smith informed me on or about 14 Feb 2024 that he received permission from higher (08, East Fleet Admiral) in December 2023 to be released from the military; however, his command, 06, Captain Dave Snowden, ignored his board certified dloctors ones silent sar, the fete and continued to volte is Board-certified doctors’ orders . ‘The 1990 ADA Act! 1970 Rehabilitation Act c. Executive Order 13164 (3) Noah Smith also informed me that approximately 15 other soldiers in his unit are in the same situation and need help as the command continues to ignore Executive Order 13163 and the 1990 ADA Act. Tknow, as an ADA Advocate and previous Commander, that the United States Inc. and its commanders cannot continue to collect ADA funds and deny ADA Rights. [also know commanders are required to receive ennual 1990 ADA/1970 training. The question is what went wrong here. As of date, it is my understanding that the United States Inc. and Captain Dave Snowden have violated my clients GOD GIVEN natural rights and: 1990 ADA Act/1970 Rehabilitation Act 18 USC 241 12 Use 242 18 USC 246 18 USC 243 18 USC 249 42 USC 1983 KKKh. 42 USC 1985 i. 42. USC 1986 j. 1970 OSHA Safety Act k. {intend to edd my ADA CLIENT. Noah Smith, as 2 PlaintiffRespondent in our higher court case against the United States Ine Foreign Pedo Corporation under Titles 11 and 111 of the 1990 ADA Act!1970 Rehabilitation Act (See attached Emergency QUO WARRANTO). A Hard copy will follow. T request the following: (a) J request an investigation against Noah’s command and commanders before they Exacerbate his (and 15 other soldiers’) silent scars as | feel the command is setting NOAH and the other soldiers up to do jail time and or deny them benefits before they leave the military. (b) T want the command to apologize to Noah and the 15 other soldiers, as it is a matter of Jaw that the command follows the law and their charter and protects our most valuable assets. (c) I request under the 1990 ADA Act/1970 Rehabilitation Act that Noah and the other soldiers be released from service as per HIS BOARD CERTIFIED DOCTORS ORDERS AND and commanders’ (08) orders. (d) L request a complete OSHA SAFETY INVESTIGATION, and this issue be addressed as ‘a matter of law, health, and safety. (€) | request everyone involved in this crime to be released from duty and for violating their charter and oath. Margaret $/Bofgoz. NAtiy}Fawaiian/Indigenous ADA Advocatd for Noah Smith and the 15 other soldiers who are reaching out for help,Exhibit B: Noah Smith’s ADA RELEASEAvw Loesaady Ov Www Wd LWascor SN ©) As wade) Huo agNoah Lopaka Smith 6377 Partridge street Norfotk VA ‘To WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, ! authorize the release of my personal counseling, safety, and other records to my ADA Advocate, Lieutenant Colonel Margaret Sue Bozgoz. My Ada Advocate, Margaret Sue Bozgoz, is hereby authorized to communicate to Medical, Legal, ‘and any individuals she deems necessary to represent me and my family in our request for reasonable accommodations and other matters before any private organization, corporation, or ‘agency. If any additional documentation or releases are needed, please contact Margaret Sue Bozgoz immediately at (410) 858-0107 or aciaadivacatesuchazzoz@gmail.com. as Noah Lopaka Smith, Native Hawaiian indigenous February 18,2024Exhibit C: Updated QUO WARRANTO with Noah Smith and the USA INC NAVY AND COMMANDERS ADDEDi | | i | Department of Defense In re Margaret, Austin, Robert Bozgoz) Case No. 20-5149 Lance Fulgium, Lee Smith, Luanne ) Simmons, Bradly Everette Bolden) Jimmy & James Ryan, Shaunel Burt, Eileen Eddleman, Filomena Washington, Tammy Foust, Jennifer Vanderdrink, Raven Cutler, Kayla Richel, Esmeralda Martian, Ashley Barry, Laura Hickey, Vanessa Roozen. Lisa Kanamb, Alicia Goemaat, Kallic LeTellier, Pamela Ortega Nicky Senn, Atlanta Airport List, Edward S. Yockman, Edwina Yockman- Smith Noah Smith ‘Supplement for (1) Main DC District Court/ Military Tribunal claim & (2) Petition for Writ of Mandamus/Writ of Quo Warranto 3771 EMERGENCIES 1, The Retief Sought under TITLES IT & [ll of the ADA. Act, God's Natural Law, and the CHARTER OP THE FOREST. Comes Now, the Petitioner(s), Margaret Sue Bozgoz and ADA Clients, Robert Bozgoz, Austin Bozgoz, Lance Fulgium, Lee Smith, Luanne Simmons, James “Jimmy” Ryan, James Ryan and Bradley Everette Bolden, Shaunel Burt, Eileen Eddleman, Filomena Washington, ‘Tammy Foust, Jennifer Vanderdrink, Raven Cutler, Kayla Richet, Esmeralda Martian, Ashley Barry, Laura Hickey, Vanessa Roozen. Lisa Kanamu, , Alicia Goemaat, Kallie LeTellier, Pamela Ortega, Nicky Senn, Atlanta Airport List, Edward S. Yockman, Edwina Yockman/Smith and NOAH SMITH. We are all living, breathing Native/Indigenous Sovereign human beings. We are not corporations and or fost at sea, as per the Jesuit Pope who just renounced the Doctrine ofExhibit 2Nuclear-trained ssilors, considered the Navy's “best and brightest. swcanseront / U.S. NEMS Nuclear-trained sailors, considered the Navy’s ‘best and brightest, face mental health challenges A mental illness diagnosis could lead to expulsion for sailors who want to work the nuclear reactors powering subs and aircraft carriers. They often mask their struggles instead of seeking help, current and former sailors said, lori? Anjali Nair / NBG News; ; U.S. Navy; Handout photos Feb. 11, 2023, 7:00 AN EST By Melissa Chan GOOSE CREEK, S.C. ~ Nuclear operators are considered the Navy's “best and brightest,” with only the top-scoring applicants gaining acceptance into the prestigious training program. But a dozen current and former nuclear-trained sailors, as well as loved ones of such operators who have died by suicide, said the unique challenges and pressures of the job have led some to suffer from severe mental health issues beginning at the school and extending well beyond graduation. hups:/ www nbenews com/news/us-news/nuclear-trained-sailors-con, 3/25/2024. 11:11 PM.Nuclear-trained sailors, considered the Navy's “best and brightest, 2ofI7 hitps:/www.nbenews.com/news/us-news/nuclear-trained-sailors-con, About 3,000 people get selected annually for the rigorous, nearly two-year program at the Naval Nuclear Power Training Command, where people learn to operate the nuclear reactors that power submarines and aircraft carriers. To entice people to enter the demanding and highly specialized program, the South Carolina school boasts career advancement perks in the civilian and Naval world, and promises the biggest monetary bonuses the Navy offers. But the potential rewards sometimes come with a significant toll. Five sailors and instructors assigned to the school have died by suicide since 2018, including one as recently as October, and there were 24 other suicide attempts in the same time frame, the Navy said. That rate of attempts and suicides is higher than the national average. “Idid the best that I could, but it piled on me so much I couldn't take it anymore,” said Megan Johnson, 21, who said she tried to kill herself twice during her two years in the program. - TOP STORIES & Re | BREAKING News Pee ens FREE NBC NEWS APP 3/28/2024, 11:11 PM.‘Nuclear-trained sailors, considered the Navy's ‘best and brightest,” f..__https:/wwwinbenews.com/news/us-news/nuclear-trained-sailors-con, 3 0f 17 —— Megan Johnson. Nec News Ina statement, Capt. Scott McGinnis, the commanding officer of the Naval Nuclear Power Training Command, said officials at the school “take every suicide very seriously and seek to learn from every one of these sad events.” “Our curriculum is rigorous and the nature of our work is difficult, but our country’s national security depends on the performance of our aircraft carriers and submarines,” McGinnis said. “However, nothing is more important than our Sailors’ health, especially mental health” Recommended 3/25/2024, 11:11 PMNucleartrained sailors, considered the Navy's “best and brightest,” f...__https:/wwwnbenews.com/news/us-news/nuclear-trained-sailors-con... 4of 17 PORTS NFL owners unanimously approve a rule banning the hip-drop tackle ANINAL NEWS A Flaco, owl whose death shocked NYC, had evidence of bird herpes and rat poison ‘The numbers alone might not capture the breadth of the mental health struggles among students and instructors in the nuclear program. Instructors, students and their loved ones said nuclear-trained sailors, known in the field as nukes, often avoid counseling and mask their struggles out of fear of getting a mental health diagnosis that would lead to their expulsion, Douglas Bainbridge, an Electrician’s Mate First Class who taught at the school from 2017 to 2021, said people are “terrified” to admit they may be suffering from mental health issues because they fear they could lose a job they’ve invested years on, “No amount of counselors is going to address the underlying issue,” he said. “They'd rather suffer and still be a nuke than go and get the help they need,” said the spouse of a former nuclear student who struggled with suicidal ideation and depression before transferring out. The spouse asked to remain anonymous out of fear of retaliation. “Sometimes they wait too long, and that’s what breaks them.” For some staff members, it was normal to find unresponsive students and bring them to the hospital, one current and one former nuclear instructor said, adding that they’re trained to scan students’ faces in class to identify anyone who may be struggling, as well as keep their eyes peeled when walking around campus, especially at night. “You have to be ready to respond when you see a body,” Bainbridge said. The Navy confirmed that one nuclear student and two staff members took their own lives in 2019, while another staff member died by suicide in January 2021. Most recently, a student died by suicide in October 2022, the Navy said, adding that there were no suicides in 2018 and 2020 and that the suicide rate was less than .00031% over the last five years. 124, 11:11 PMNuclear-trained sailors, considered the Navy's ‘best and brightest.” f_.__hitps:/www.nbenews.com/news/us-news /nvclear-trained-sailoss-con. From 2018 to 2022, the Naval Nuclear Power ‘Training Command averaged 150 attempts and 31 suicides per 100,000 people, according to an NBC News analysis of data provided by the Navy. That's more than two times higher than the national suicide rate of 13.5 per 100,000 in 2020, the most recent year with complete federal data. Mental health struggles have also been seen in other Naval commands. Four sailors assigned to Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center ~ which maintains military ships and is based in Norfolk, Virginia — died by suicide within weeks of each other in October and November, the Navy said. ‘The deaths came about six months after the Navy said three sailors assigned to the USS George Washington aircraft carrier killed themselves within a week in April. On Jan. 23, another sailor assigned to the USS George Washington died by suicide, according to the Navy and the Newport News Police Department. Four Navy sailors die by apparent suicide at same Virginia facility within weeks 02:38 Agrueling program ‘The nuclear academic program is “widely acknowledged” as the most demanding in the U.S. military, the Navy says on its website. Soft? 3125/2024, 11:11 PMNucleartrained sailors, considered the Navy's “best and brightest,” f..._ https:/wwwnbenews.com/news/us-news/nuclear-trained-sailors-con... Gof 17 On top of spending about 45 hours a week in the classroom ~ mastering subjects like nuclear physics and engineering — students can be mandated to study for another 10 to 35 hours on their own, its website says. The mandated study time varies depending on a student's academic performance. Ina statement, Lt. Andrew Bertucci, a Navy spokesperson, said it is “very rare” for a student to be assigned more than 25 hours of study and that the average 45 hour-week includes both classroom instruction and mandated study hours. Johnson and others interviewed said that wasn’t rare and that students who have fallen the most behind are pulling up to 16-hour days at the school because the program materials are confidential and can’t leave the premises. “It’s complete sensory deprivation,” said Johnson, who was at the school from 2019 to 2021 but did not complete the program and is no longer in the military. Jacob Slocum was 17 when he signed up for the Navy and initially didn’t want to pursue the nuclear route. But his mother, Kimberly McInerney, said he scored so high on his entry exam that the Navy flashed a $16,000 sign-on bonus, which would have seemed like a lot toa teenager. 3/25/2024, L1:11 PM.Nuclear-trained sailors, considered the Navy's ‘best and brightest,” f...__https://www.nbenews.com/news/us-news/nuclear-trained-sailors-con, Jacob Slocum. courtesy Kinberly MeTnerney “They pushed and they pushed and they pushed him, and finally, he said, ‘OK I'll do the nuke program’,” McInerney said. “And it was the worst decision he made in his life.” Today, the Navy offers $38,000 to active-duty nuclear recruits — its biggest enlistment bonus ~ as well as thousands of dollars in additional annual payments just for being a nuke and up to $100,000 to some who re-enlist. 70f 17 3/25/2024, 11:11 PMNaclear-trained sailors, considered the Navy's “best and brightest,” f...__https:/www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/nuclear-trained-sailors-con. Besides meeting physical standards and requirements for a security clearance, enlisted applicants must be high school graduates who have scored in the top percentile in the military's aptitude exam, the Navy said. Of the roughly 3,000 people who get accepted into the nuclear training program each year, about 2,700 of them complete it, the Navy said. Bainbridge said he noticed a spike in suicide attempts about halfway into the first phase of the program, known as “A” school, where enlisted students have to memorize the basics of their specialties in about three to six months, depending on their trade. Nuclear Power School (NPS) is a technical school operated by the U.S. Navy in Goose Creek, $.C. Courtesy U.S. Navy After a short break they begin power school, where they spend about six months mastering multiple subjects and are hit with a torrent of information at once. Sof 17 3/25/2024, 11:11 PMNuclear-trained sailors, considered the Navy's “best and brightest”... htps:/www.nbenews.com/news/us-news/nuclear-trained-sailors-con, ‘The program concludes after an additional six months of hands-on training at a facility. “It’s a tough school,” said Patrick Caserta, a former Navy recruiter who retired in 2006 and whose son was in the Navy but not part of the nuclear program when he died by suicide in 2018. ‘The Navy said most of the 10% who do not make it through the program are able to choose another specialty and continue serving. The graduates go on to join about 13,000 trained nuclear operators, who make up 4.7% of the entire fleet. “all that prestige,” Caserta said. “They're basing their whole futures on this school.” Slocum, 23 and from Illinois, finished nuclear training in Goose Creek, where the school is located, in 2019. Once aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt, he was constantly punished with longer work hours and cleaning duties for being behind on his continuing education requirements, his family said. “We knew that he was struggling academically, emotionally and mentally,” his mother said. “They would layer punishment on top of punishment on top of punishment. He was constantly behind. It was so hard for him to catch up.” Slocum took his life on the ship on Dec. 5, 2022, according to the Kitsap County Medical Examiner’s office, which investigated his death. ‘Almost impossible demands’ John Paul Fritz, 29, was seven months away from his wedding when he died by suicide on Jan. 8, 2019. His fiancé, Mikaela Dalke, said she noticed a change in his demeanor after he became an instructor at the Naval Nuclear Power Training Command in 2017. 90f 17 3/25/2024, 11:11 PMNuclear-trained sailors, considered the Navy ‘best and brightest" £.._hitps:/www.nbenews.com/news/us-news/nuclear-irained-sailors-con, lo of 17 John Paul Fritz, 29, died by suicide on Jan. 8, 2019. courtesy Mikaela Dake “It was a weird shift,” Dalke said. “When he was at the school, | would see him most evenings, but it wasn’t the same. He wasn’t the samé Fritz, who joined the Navy in 2009, often told Dalke how difficult it was to be in the nuclear field, both when he was stationed on the USS Florida, sometimes pulling 48-hour shifts on the 3/25/2024, 11:11 PM.Nuclear-trained sailors, considered the Navy's ‘best and brightest’ f.._hrtps://www.nbenews.com/news/us-news/nuclear-trained-sailors-con, MW of I7 submarine, and when he was at the school. Dalke said the suicides and attempts at the school weighed “heavy” on her partner, and that his job stressors ate away at him. “They have these almost impossible demands on their students and their instructors,” she said. “But there’s not anywhere for them to go.” ‘The Navy did not comment on Dalke’s claims, but said in a statement to NBC News that it has made significant investments in mental health resources at the nuclear school, especially after a dedicated effort in 2018 to destigmatize mental health issues and increase availability to help. There are a dozen mental health professionals on site and several more resources available a short walk away, Bertucci, the Navy spokesperson, said. However, to ensure the safe operation of the Navy’s nuclear reactors, Bertucci said some medical conditions, including anxiety disorders and suicide attempts, do disqualify sailors from nuclear duty, but that a waiver “may be considered once a service member's condition is stable” A former nuclear student, who asked to remain anonymous out of fear of retaliation because he is still in the Navy, said he had to leave the program in 2021 after he sought help for his mental health and was diagnosed with major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. “There was no other way around it,” he said. “I would rather be alive and functional than do a job that I know I will definitely kill myself if I keep doing it.”Nuclear-trained sailors, considered the Navy's “best and brightest,” f..._https:/www.nbenews.com/news/us-news/nuclear-irained-sailors-con, 120f 17 John Paul Fritz, 29, died by suicide on Jan. 8, 2019. courtesy Mikacla Dalke Fritz. also sought help shortly before he died, Dalke said. He had a couple of sessions with a civilian therapist, then stopped because he feared jeopardizing a career he took a decade to build. “He didn’t want anything to come out,” Dalke said. Dalke said she was furious with the school and the Navy after Fritz’s death. She was also heartbroken for every other sailor forced to weigh seeking mental health over risking their specialty. 3/25/2024, 11:11 PM.Nuclear-trained sailors, considered the Navy's “best and brightest,” f...__https//www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/nuclear-rained-sailors-con, 13 of 17 “The sailors are sitting here thinking, is it my job or my life?” she said. Bertucci and McGinnis said the nuclear school plans to add another clinician and clinical manager to the site next year. Bertucci said the Navy seeks to eliminate suicides by “providing better access to care, empowering a culture of peer-to-peer support and overcoming mental health stigmas.” “Suicide is a public health issue and everyone in the Navy has a role to play in preventing suicide,” Bertucci said. “We will continue to work to eliminate the negative stereotypes and perceptions that keep our sailors and civilians from seeking help for psychological health concerns.” Life on a nuclear-powered vessel Aboard submarines and aircraft carriers, the living conditions become more taxing and are unlike “anything else anywhere,” Bainbridge said. Nuclear-trained sailors spend the majority of the time below deck, inside dark machinery rooms and reactor plants, where they often work more than 12-hour shifts, see little daylight, get less time off and feel isolated from the rest of the crew, according to a retired Navy chief petty officer who used to work for an aircraft carrier’s Reactor Department. “They get treated like second-class citizens,” he said. “The ship depends on them. There's so much pressure on them to keep the nuclear plant running that there’s always work to do.” The retired chief, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said he led with empathy, checked in on the sailors and granted them time off without alerting his superiors. “What time do they have to take care of their own personal business or get their mind off work? They don’t,” he said. “Compassion from the chain of command is missing from the Reactor Department. The human factor doesn’t kick in at times.” Too little regard for humanity is what Slocum’s family said pushed him over the edge. When Mcinerney visited the nuclear school, she said she saw so many bright and introverted young people that resembled her son. “That school is full of hundreds of Jacobs,” she said. “It scares the s— out of me because now I 2024, 11:11 PM.Nucleartrained sailors, considered the Navy’s ‘best and brightest," f...__https:/www.albenews.com/news/us-news/nuclear-trained-sailors-con, feel a responsibility to try to protect those kids.” Ona recent morning in Goose Creek, about 20 miles north of Charleston, as students trickled in and out of the campus food court for their meal break, many speaking on condition of anonymity said they believed there was a mental health crisis at the command. “It’s stressful,” said one sailor, who asked to remain anonymous out of fear of retaliation. ‘After failing more than once, the sailor said he was in the process of transitioning out of the nuclear program. “It’s better for me,” he said. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources, : for additional resources. 8 Melissa Chan ‘Melissa Chan isa reporter for NBC News Digital with a focus on veterans’ issues, mental health in the military and gun violence. Nigel Chinaya contributed. Sponsored Stories by Taboola ce IQ Test [casee ‘erage |0 is 100, What's Yours? Answer 20 multiple choice questions to find out. ZZDAILY WINNERS (Pray wow L Players Knew This They Would Never Stop Playing L4of 17 3/25/2024, 11:11 PM.