Restricted internet access can be a major inconvenience, especially for those serving on US Navy ships. The limitations on what can and cannot be done on an official connection can be frustrating, particularly when on sensitive missions in foreign waters. However, finding solutions to bypass these restrictions can have severe consequences, as evidenced by a recent incident on the USS Manchester involving the installation of an unauthorized Starlink connection.
Senior crew members on the USS Manchester resorted to purchasing a Starlink connection for $2,800 to overcome the limitations of the Navy-monitored internet access. The dish was attached to a pallet and placed on the exterior of the warship, allowing the crew to access unrestricted internet while deployed in the West Pacific. The installation of the dish, which was identified by the conspicuous WiFi network name “STINKY”, raised suspicions among the sailors on board.
The installation of the unauthorized Starlink connection was revealed when a Naval Information Warfare Center worker was in the process of installing an authorized Space X “Starshield” device. Attempts were made to conceal the existence of the unauthorized connection by renaming the network to resemble a wireless printer and fabricating data to suggest its use only in port. However, these efforts were unsuccessful, and investigations by the US Navy uncovered the entire affair.
Command Senior Chief Grisel Marrero, the mastermind behind the scheme, pled guilty during a court martial and was relieved of her post. Other senior crew members involved in the unauthorized internet access received administrative non-judicial punishment at commodore’s mast. Despite the seemingly lighthearted description, this punishment likely involved severe reprimands and consequences for their actions.
The incident involving the unauthorized Starlink connection on the USS Manchester serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of bypassing internet restrictions on US Navy ships. The breach of protocol not only led to disciplinary actions against the individuals involved but also highlighted the potential risks associated with unauthorized internet access on military vessels. Furthermore, the incident underscores the importance of adhering to rules and regulations, particularly in high-security environments like naval operations.
The case of the unauthorized Starlink connection on the USS Manchester exemplifies the potential repercussions of attempting to circumvent internet restrictions on US Navy ships. The incident ultimately resulted in the downfall of Command Senior Chief Grisel Marrero and other involved crew members. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of following protocols and the severe consequences that can arise from disregarding regulations in military settings.