Cord Byrd: “I do not support the nomination of Admiral Johnson for the top uniformed position in the Navy, Chief of Naval…”

“I do not support the nomination of Admiral Johnson for the top uniformed position in the Navy, Chief of Naval Operations. I take this position because I believe that the stormy seas that the Navy has experienced in recent years call for the selection of Navy leaders who can serve as an inspiration not only in their warfighting specialties and military prowess, but who also demonstrate a solid commitment to the avoidance of the slightest appearance of conflict of interest. In this case, Admiral Johnson received substantial sums of money, over $175,000 over the last 6 years, to serve on the board of an insurance company, USAA, which caters to military officers. I know that his acceptance of this position was legitimate, and was entirely legal. I do not know how much time the position demanded of Admiral Johnson in his off-duty hours. I do not raise any issue of wrongdoing in this matter. But there is the inherent appearance of conflict of interest in serving as an active duty Admiral while appearing to endorse a commercial insurance service catering to other naval officers, by virtue of the fact that he accepted a paid position on its Board of Directors.”