U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Shoshana Chatfield, who serves in a senior role within NATO, has reportedly been dismissed as part of what seems to be a growing purge of high-ranking officials by the Trump administration, according to three sources who spoke to Reuters on Monday.
The Pentagon has not yet confirmed this information. However, the sources indicated to Reuters that allies had been informed of Chatfield’s removal from her position.
As the U.S. military representative to the NATO Military Committee, Chatfield is among a select group of female officers holding the rank of three-star admiral and was the first woman to lead the Naval War College, a position she occupied until 2023.
This dismissal follows the recent ousting of General Timothy Haugh, who was the head of the National Security Agency and U.S. Cyber Command. Additionally, it comes on the heels of the removal of Admiral Lisa Franchetti, the first woman to serve as Chief of Naval Operations.
Since taking office in January, President Donald Trump’s administration has maintained a skeptical stance towards NATO and European allies. During his first visit to NATO headquarters in February, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth cautioned European nations against relying on the U.S. for their defense.
It remains unclear whether an official explanation was provided for Chatfield’s termination or if it is connected to U.S. policy regarding NATO.
One source suggested that the dismissal might be linked to the Pentagon’s efforts to limit diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
The Pentagon has not yet responded to requests for comments.
In a recent interview with Harvard Magazine, Chatfield expressed hope for a future where the qualifications of women in the military would no longer be questioned.
The article highlighted an instance from 2005-2006 when Chatfield, a helicopter pilot, commanded an MH-60S Sea Hawk expeditionary helicopter squadron. She recounted a moment when a mid-grade sailor asked, “Ma’am, can you fly one of those helicopters?” to which she humorously replied, “Yes, actually I can.”