Thomas B. Modly is an American businessman and government official who served as acting United States Secretary of the Navy from November 25, 2019, to April 7, 2020. Modly's resignation occurred in the wake of firing and berating Brett Crozier, the captain of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, for allegedly going outside his chain of command in calling for help to deal with a COVID-19 outbreak onboard. Later, Modly traveled to the ship at port in Guam, where he addressed the crew in a manner that was perceived as disrespectful. He was subsequently widely criticized, and soon resigned.