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US Military Commander in Greenland Removed Following Criticism of Arctic Strategy
The commander of the US military installation in Greenland has been relieved of her duties after reportedly criticising Washington’s Arctic policy in the wake of a visit from JD Vance two weeks prior. This development highlights the delicate geopolitical landscape of the Arctic region and the strategic importance of Greenland.
Commander of Pituffik Space Base Dismissed
Colonel Susannah Meyers, who had been in command of the Pituffik space base since July, was ousted from her position. Reports suggest her removal stemmed from concerns she had distanced herself and the base from the US administration’s criticism of Denmark and its governance of Greenland.
Greenland possesses its own administration but remains part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Denmark, the former colonial power, continues to oversee Greenland’s foreign affairs and defense strategies. Former President Donald Trump previously expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, even suggesting the potential use of military or economic leverage.
Controversy Following JD Vance Visit
The US Space Force released a statement Thursday evening confirming Meyers’s removal from command. The statement cited a “loss of confidence” in her leadership capabilities as the reason for her dismissal.
“Commanders are expected to uphold the highest standards of conduct, particularly in maintaining impartiality in the execution of their responsibilities,” the Space Force added.
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Vance’s Critical Remarks on Denmark
While the statement remained concise, Military.com reported that Colonel Meyers had circulated an email to all Pituffik personnel on March 31. This email was “seemingly intended to foster unity” among US personnel, as well as Canadian, Danish, and Greenlandic colleagues stationed there, in the aftermath of Vance’s visit.
Vance visited Pituffik on March 28, during a trip that faced last-minute alterations amid escalating tensions between the US, Greenland, and Denmark. During his visit, Vance asserted to troops the necessity for the US to secure control of Greenland to counter perceived threats from China and Russia. He also openly criticised Denmark, alleging they had “not done a good job by the people of Greenland.”
Initially, the delegation was planned to be led by Vance’s spouse, the second lady, Usha Vance, with scheduled visits to Nuuk, the capital, and a dog sled race in Sisimiut. However, following public outcry regarding the timing shortly after an election – before the new coalition government was inaugurated – the itinerary was revised.
During a press briefing at the base, Vance stated: “Our message to Denmark is unequivocal: you have not adequately served the people of Greenland. You have underinvested in the population of Greenland, and you have underinvested in the security framework of this remarkable, beautiful landmass.”
“Loss of Confidence” Cited by US Space Force
In her email, obtained by Military.com, Meyers stated: “I do not claim to comprehend current political dynamics, but I am certain that the concerns voiced by Vice-President Vance regarding the US administration on Friday do not reflect the sentiments at Pituffik space base.”
Meyers’ Email and Pentagon Response
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell posted on X: “Actions that undermine the chain of command or contradict President Trump’s agenda will not be tolerated within the Department of Defense.”
Broader Implications of Commander’s Removal
Trump has maintained that US control over Greenland is vital for both national and international security interests, even suggesting the potential use of force to achieve this objective.
The US Space Force confirmed that Colonel Shawn Lee has replaced Meyers as commander.
Meyers’s dismissal appears to be the latest instance in what some describe as a broader pattern of the Trump administration removing high-ranking military officers and commanders. Previous examples include Air Force General Tim Haugh, former director of the National Security Agency, and Vice Admiral Shoshana Chatfield, who formerly served with NATO.
Joe Kasper, chief of staff at the US Department of Defense, conveyed to Military.com: “Civilian oversight of the military is a foundational principle of our armed forces. Actions intended to undermine the chain of command or to subvert President Trump’s agenda will not be condoned at the Defense Department.”
Requests for comments have been made to the US and Danish Departments of Defense, as well as Pituffik space base.