Overview

• Jackson posted Phelan’s June 13 letter on Wednesday confirming his reinstatement to rear admiral (lower half), and the Navy verified the decision.
• Phelan wrote that he found good cause to reopen the retired grade determination after reviewing all applicable reports and references, making the change effective immediately.
• Jackson had been reduced to captain in July 2022 after a Pentagon inspector general report cited alcohol use on official trips, prescription sleep medication on government travel, and sexual and denigrating comments about a female subordinate.
• The inspector general’s findings remain on the record, while Jackson rejects the allegations as politically motivated and has publicly celebrated the restoration.
• Coverage situates the move within broader Pentagon actions restoring honors or benefits in contentious cases, including funeral honors for Ashli Babbitt and consideration of expedited returns for troops discharged over COVID-19 vaccine refusals.