A U.S. Navy senior chief, Grisel Marrero, has been demoted after setting up an illegal Wi-Fi network aboard the USS Manchester for personal use.

Marrero was found guilty of dereliction of duty and making false official statements about the network to her superiors, and her demotion followed the discovery of the illegal network “STINKY,” which was used for personal entertainment by the ship's leadership, bypassing standard security protocols, as Fox News reports.

The unauthorized network, named "STINKY" to appear like a wireless printer, was installed using a Starlink satellite system.

Marrero, with the cooperation of other chiefs on board, set up the network before a deployment to the Western Pacific in April 2023.

The network cost $1,000 a month and was funded using a leadership association debit card, adding to the severity of the offense. Marrero also purchased the $2,800 Starlink dish used for the connection on her personal credit card and managed the network as an administrator.

Unauthorized Wi-Fi Kept Secret from Command

Rank-and-file sailors on the USS Manchester were not granted access to the Wi-Fi network. Instead, it was used by Marrero and other senior officers to check sports scores, text, and stream movies, according to investigators.

When questioned by her commanding officer, Marrero repeatedly misled them, denying the existence of the network. Despite these false statements, the network remained operational until August 2023. It was not until Aug. 18, 2023, that a civilian installer detected the unauthorized Wi-Fi during a routine installation on the ship.

The Network Discovered and Removed

Upon discovering the network, Marrero texted a crew member, stating, "The gig is up," signaling that the secret was out. Attempts were made by Marrero and the other chiefs involved to remove the Starlink dish quickly after the discovery. On Aug. 26, 2023, Marrero finally admitted to setting up the illegal Wi-Fi network and the extent of her role in managing it.

The internal investigation into the incident emphasized the serious risks such unauthorized systems pose to the operational security of Navy vessels. The investigators noted that Marrero, as a senior chief, had a responsibility to prevent such risks but instead facilitated them, saying she “failed to prevent the USS Manchester’s exposure to operational security risk, as it was her duty to do.”

Security Risks and Charges Filed

Prosecutors in the case stressed the potential danger that unsecured networks like "STINKY" could create for military operations. Unauthorized Wi-Fi systems, such as the one on the USS Manchester, expose critical military equipment and communications to potential interference and cyber threats. This exposure to security risks was a major factor in Marrero’s subsequent charges.

In court, Marrero pleaded guilty to dereliction of duty, obstruction of justice, and making false statements. These charges led to her demotion and loss of her leadership position on May 29, 2024. Her rank was reduced from senior chief petty officer to chief petty officer, reflecting the Navy’s stance on breaches of security protocol and dishonesty in leadership.

Other Sailors Also Face Consequences

Marrero was not the only one implicated in the case. Several other sailors involved in the unauthorized Wi-Fi network were disciplined, though the details of their penalties were not disclosed. The investigation made it clear that the chiefs on board the USS Manchester collaborated to install and maintain the network, raising questions about the culture of leadership on the ship during the deployment.

The illegal network was a serious violation of Navy regulations, and the case highlights broader concerns about how technology is managed on board military vessels. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding sensitive operations from both internal and external threats.

Navy Stresses Importance of Security Compliance

The incident aboard the USS Manchester serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of ignoring established security protocols. The Navy’s internal investigation stressed that even small lapses in security, such as unauthorized Wi-Fi networks, can create significant vulnerabilities.

Marrero’s actions, coupled with her false statements to her commanding officers, violated her duty as a senior leader to protect the ship and its crew.

As Marrero faces the consequences of her actions, the Navy hopes that this case will deter others from engaging in similar misconduct. The investigation’s findings underscored the fact that even seemingly innocuous networks, used for personal entertainment, can pose grave threats in a military environment.

Conclusion

Grisel Marrero's demotion from senior chief to chief petty officer came after the discovery of an illegal Wi-Fi network aboard the USS Manchester, which was used for personal entertainment.

The network posed significant security risks and was kept hidden from commanding officers until August 2023, when it was discovered by a civilian. Marrero, along with other chiefs, conspired to install and maintain the network, leading to charges of dereliction of duty and false statements.

Her case serves as a warning to others about the importance of maintaining strict adherence to security protocols on board Navy vessels.