Three journalists from Stars and Stripes have sued the Pentagon over their recent firings.
They allege that the US Defense Department punished them for their journalism and public support for press freedom.
The case involves former publisher Max Lederer, editor-in-chief Erik Slavin and Middle East reporter Lara Korte.
The journalists filed the lawsuit in federal court in Washington, DC.
They say the action violates their rights under the First Amendment.
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USS Abraham Lincoln Report at Center of Dispute
The lawsuit points to an August 11 report about conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln.
The aircraft carrier had spent months at sea during a long deployment in the Middle East.
According to the report, about 5,000 sailors faced food and water shortages.
The report also raised concerns about disrupted mail service.
Long working hours and limited time off were other issues mentioned in the report.
The journalists say the report played a key role in the Pentagon’s decision to take action against them.
Journalists Say Firings Violated Free Speech Rights
Slavin and Korte also faced questions over comments they made in a CBS News interview.
They had spoken about the need for Stars and Stripes to remain editorially independent.
The journalists say their comments supported the newspaper’s right to report freely on military operations.
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Their lawsuit claims the Pentagon later used those comments and the Abraham Lincoln report as grounds for disciplinary action.
The case names the Defense Department and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth among the defendants.
Pentagon Disputes Reports on Carrier Conditions
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has rejected reports about poor conditions aboard the carrier.
He has described some of the reporting as misleading.
The Defense Department has also defended its actions against the journalists.
Pentagon officials declined to comment on the lawsuit when it was filed.
Publisher Max Lederer Also Challenged His Firing
Max Lederer had announced his retirement before the lawsuit.
According to the complaint, Pentagon officials later asked him to fire Slavin and Korte.
Lederer refused to carry out the order, according to the lawsuit.
He then announced his retirement.
The lawsuit says the Pentagon later moved to remove him as well.
Lederer had worked with Stars and Stripes for about 30 years.
USS Abraham Lincoln Heads to Thailand
The dispute comes as the USS Abraham Lincoln completes one of its longest deployments.
The carrier has spent more than 200 days at sea without a port call.
The ship is now heading toward Thailand for rest and logistical support.
About 5,000 sailors and Marines are aboard the carrier.
Reuters reported that the planned stop will give the crew time for rest and support after the long deployment.
Court Asked to Block Firings
The three journalists want the court to stop their terminations.
They argue that their actions were protected by the First Amendment.
Their legal challenge also raises broader questions about the editorial independence of Stars and Stripes.
The newspaper has long served US military personnel and their families.
The Pentagon agreed to keep the three employees on administrative leave for another week while the court considers the case.
The case could therefore have wider implications for press freedom within the US military community.
