ADVERTISEMENT

Navy Surgeon General calls photos of Navy nurse flipping off newborn babies 'highly offensive'

A Navy nurse made a baby dance to rap music in one video and called some newborns "mini Satans."

The Navy's Surgeon General has sent a message to Navy Medicine commanders around the world criticizing the "highly offensive" photos of a nurse flipping off newborn babies at Naval Hospital Jacksonville, Florida.

ADVERTISEMENT

Vice Adm. Forrest Faison called the photos "unprofessional and inappropriate" behavior that was inconsistent with the service's core values of honor, courage, and commitment. He also called for a 48-hour stand down for all Navy medical personnel, in which units would review their oaths, reasons for serving, and talk through the use of cell phones and social media.

The admiral's message came just days after a local Fox News affiliate obtained images taken at the Jacksonville hospital, in which a purported Navy nurse made a baby dance to rap music in one video, while another photo showed someone giving the finger to a baby with the caption, "How I currently feel about these mini Satans."

"As health care professionals, we are entrusted with the lives and well-being of all those who have volunteered to defend our freedom, including their families. We owe them the best care and compassion our nation can offer. We also owe them our unqualified respect," Faison wrote.

ADVERTISEMENT

"Any behavior that falls short of this expectation will be dealt with appropriately. This type of inappropriate conduct violates two of my core values: (1) be worthy of the trust placed in our hands in the privilege of caring for America’s sons and daughters, and (2) be worthy of the “uniform” we wear, both military and civilian, and all that we represent. At every level of the enterprise, we must send a clear message that Navy and Navy Medicine leadership take every allegation of offensive and unacceptable online conduct seriously and will hold responsible individuals accountable for their actions."

A spokeswoman at the hospital told AP the employees in the photos have been removed from patient care. It was unclear how many employees were involved.

FOLLOW BUSINESS INSIDER AFRICA

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Recommended articles

How SafeHamsters unlocks the potential of crypto betting| Insider Tips

How SafeHamsters unlocks the potential of crypto betting| Insider Tips

A look into the diverse tax reforms being implemented across Africa

A look into the diverse tax reforms being implemented across Africa

Dubai firm to lend South Sudan $12.9 billion in exchange for 20 years oil repayment

Dubai firm to lend South Sudan $12.9 billion in exchange for 20 years oil repayment

China dethrones USA as the most influential global power in Africa: Report

China dethrones USA as the most influential global power in Africa: Report

Major African economies expecting inflation ease into next year, except Nigeria

Major African economies expecting inflation ease into next year, except Nigeria

10 African countries with the lowest price changes in household commodities

10 African countries with the lowest price changes in household commodities

Dangote refinery outranks Europe's 10 largest refining facilities

Dangote refinery outranks Europe's 10 largest refining facilities

Africa may just have the lowest level of cyber threats compared to other regions

Africa may just have the lowest level of cyber threats compared to other regions

A look into Kenya’s Shs1.1 billion climate funding from the UK

A look into Kenya’s Shs1.1 billion climate funding from the UK

ADVERTISEMENT