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The Honorable Sean J. Stackley

Acting Secretary of the Navy
Department of the Navy
1000 Navy Pentagon
Washington DC 20350-1000

Dear Secretary Stackley:

It has come to my attention that the Navy has banned vaping on ships citing battery
explosions and related injuries. Given the reduced health risks vaping represents compared to
tobacco products, I would like to better understand the Navy's position in eliminating access to
vaping products for sailors and Marines who are attempting to take a positive step to improve
their health. I request answers to the following questions:

Over the last year, how many incidents related to vaping occurred aboard ships?
How many sailors or Marines have been injured by vaping devices?
What was the severity of these injuries?
Of the incidents, how many can be attributed to user error?

I certainly understand the Navy's need to mitigate risks aboard ships, and I recognize that
under rare circumstances, batteries in vaping devices can cause injury. For that reason, I will
soon introduce legislation that will create common-sense regulatory standards for vaping
devices. In the short-term, however, I hope that any action that the Navy takes on this issue
weighs the potential risk presented by vaping products with the proven health benefits of
reducing consumption of traditional tobacco products through vaping. I would also ask that the
Navy consider joining me in reducing any risks associated with system use rather than taking
such an extraordinary step to deny a life-saving alternative to traditional tobacco use.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Please do not hesitate to contact
me with any questions.

www.hunter.house.gov