More than 120,000 people have signed a petition calling on the US Navy to reinstate the captain of a coronavirus-stricken aircraft carrier, after video emerged of his crew showering him with applause following his sacking.

Key points: Captain Brett Crozier was stood down after writing to the Navy demanding action to halt the spread of coronavirus aboard

Captain Brett Crozier was stood down after writing to the Navy demanding action to halt the spread of coronavirus aboard A petition asking for him to be reinstated has attracted more than 120,000 signatures

A petition asking for him to be reinstated has attracted more than 120,000 signatures Videos have emerged of the crew of the USS Theodore Roosevelt applauding Captain Crozier

Captain Brett Crozier was relieved of his command of the USS Theodore Roosevelt after a letter in which he called on the Navy to take "decisive action" to halt the spread of the virus aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier was leaked to the media.

"His actions possibly saved many lives," the online petition said.

"Although he was fired, his plan to safely remove crew members was still implemented. He is a hero who should be rewarded."

One day after the launch of the petition on Change.org, over 123,000 people had signed, well on the way to the goal of 150,000.

In videos posted online, sailors on the Theodore Roosevelt applauded Captain Crozier and hailed him as a hero who defended his crew at the cost of his career.

"And that's how you send out one of the greatest captains you ever had," exclaimed one sailor in a video post, amid thunderous applause and cheering for Captain Crozier as he left the carrier and its 5,000 crew members in Guam.

The removal of Captain Crozier was announced by acting US Navy Secretary Thomas Modly, who said he had exercised poor judgment in the way he "broadly" distributed his letter.

Captain Crozier would be reassigned while investigators considered whether he should face disciplinary action, Mr Modly said.

Mr Modly did not suggest that Captain Crozier's career was over, saying he thought everyone deserved a chance at "redemption".

"He'll get reassigned, he's not thrown out of the Navy," he said.

Stay up-to-date on the coronavirus outbreak Download the ABC News app and subscribe to our range of news alerts for the latest on how the pandemic is impacting the world

Captain Crozier had called for thousands of sailors to be taken from the ship and put into isolation, writing that unless the Navy acted immediately it would be failing to properly safeguard "our most trusted asset — our sailors".

Space to play or pause, M to mute, left and right arrows to seek, up and down arrows for volume. Watch Duration: 20 minutes 20 m The Virus

ABC/Reuters