Were the firings retaliation for a report on carrier conditions?

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Firings Allegedly Retaliation for USS Abraham Lincoln Report

Three staff members of the US military publication Stars and Stripes have filed a lawsuit against the Department of Defense, alleging their dismissals were a direct violation of their First Amendment rights. The suit claims the Pentagon retaliated against the editor-in-chief, publisher, and a reporter following the publication of a news report concerning deteriorating conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. This specific report, published on August 11, had also drawn criticism regarding President Donald Trump's policies related to Iran.
Lawsuit Alleges Retaliation for USS Abraham Lincoln Coverage

The legal filing asserts that the dismissals of editor-in-chief Erik Slavin, publisher Max Lederer, and reporter Lara Korte were an act of retaliation by the Pentagon. The core of the complaint centres on an August 11 story detailing the poor conditions faced by sailors during an extended deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East. This report subsequently led to renewed criticism of President Donald Trump's actions concerning Iran.
Pentagon Accused of Ordering Firings After Interview

According to the lawsuit, the Pentagon issued an order on August 12 for the publisher, Max Lederer, to dismiss both the editor-in-chief, Erik Slavin, and reporter Lara Korte. The basis for this alleged order was statements made by Slavin and Korte in a prior CBS interview, where they discussed the editorial independence of Stars and Stripes. The lawsuit contends that these firings, which ultimately occurred on August 21, were illegal actions by the Department of Defense.
Stars and Stripes Historically Maintained Editorial Independence

Stars and Stripes, a publication with a history dating back to the 1860s that provides independent news to the US military community, is partially funded by the Defense Department. However, it has traditionally operated with a significant degree of editorial independence. The lawsuit emphasizes that the publication is governed by the principles of the First Amendment, underscoring the journalists' right to free speech and press.

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Were the firings retaliation for a report on carrier conditions?

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