ROBERT BURNS
AP National Security Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Mark Esper on Sunday fired the Navy's top official for allegedly proposing a deal with the White House behind Esper's back to resolve the matter of a Navy SEAL whose case that has been championed by President Donald Trump.
At Esper's request, Navy Secretary Richard Spencer submitted his resignation Sunday, said the chief spokesman for the Pentagon, Jonathan Hoffman.
Esper said he has recommended to the White House that Trump nominate as Spencer's successor the current U.S. ambassador to Norway, Kenneth Braithwaite, a retired Navy rear admiral.
The firing was a dramatic turn in a fast-changing and politically charged controversy involving Navy Chief Petty Officer Edward Gallagher. On Wednesday the Navy had
