A spokesperson for the Pentagon said early Thursday morning that acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan Patrick Michael ShanahanHouse Armed Services chairman expresses confidence in Esper amid aircraft carrier coronavirus crisis Boeing pleads for bailout under weight of coronavirus, 737 fallout Esper's chief of staff to depart at end of January MORE had not been aware that the White House asked the U.S. Navy to make sure the USS John S. McCain was “out of sight” for President Trump Donald John TrumpBiden on Trump's refusal to commit to peaceful transfer of power: 'What country are we in?' Romney: 'Unthinkable and unacceptable' to not commit to peaceful transition of power Two Louisville police officers shot amid Breonna Taylor grand jury protests MORE’s visit to Japan.

"Secretary Shanahan was not aware of the directive to move the USS John S McCain nor was he aware of the concern precipitating the directive,” Lt. Colonel Joe Buccino said in a statement.

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Shanahan told Defense One that he has directed his chief of staff to look into the incident because he never authorized any “action around the movement of activity regarding that ship.”

“Furthermore, I would never dishonor the memory of a great American patriot like Sen. McCain,” Shanahan said. “I would never disrespect the young men and women that crew that ship.“

Shanahan on USS McCain: “I never authorized... any action around the movement or activity regarding that ship. Furthermore, I would never dishonor the memory of a great American patriot like Sen. McCain. I would never disrespect the young men and women that crew that ship.“ — Katie Bo Williams (@KatieBoWill) May 30, 2019

The Pentagon’s response contradicts an initial report by The Wall Street Journal that said Shanahan and other officers were aware of the White House’s concern.

The White House sent the U.S. Navy plans to hide the ship ahead of Trump’s visit to Japan, according to an email obtained by the newspaper.

The email, dated May 15, included an outline of plans for the president's arrival, including instructions for the ship.

“USS John McCain John Sidney McCainThe Memo: Trump's strengths complicate election picture Mark Kelly: Arizona Senate race winner should be sworn in 'promptly' Cindy McCain: Trump allegedly calling war dead 'losers' was 'pretty much' last straw before Biden endorsement MORE needs to be out of sight,” the email reportedly read. “Please confirm #3 will be satisfied."

The ship has been stationed at the Yokosuka Naval Base near the USS Wasp, where Trump delivered Memorial Day remarks and visited U.S. officers. The Journal also reported that sailors on the USS John S. McCain, who normally wear caps with its name, were given the day off when Trump gave his address.

An anonymous White House senior aide said they did not want the destroyer in photographs and, though Trump was not involved in the planning, the request was made to keep him from being upset during the visit, The Washington Post reported.

Trump responded to the report on Twitter, writing late Wednesday that he had not been informed about the decision.

"I was not informed about anything having to do with the Navy Ship USS John S. McCain during my recent visit to Japan," Trump wrote in the tweet. "Nevertheless, @FLOTUS and I loved being with our great Military Men and Women - what a spectacular job they do!"

I was not informed about anything having to do with the Navy Ship USS John S. McCain during my recent visit to Japan. Nevertheless, @FLOTUS and I loved being with our great Military Men and Women - what a spectacular job they do! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 30, 2019

The late Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) was a frequent critic of Trump.

His decision to vote "no" on a "skinny repeal" of the Affordable Care Act was credited with killing the last Republican attempt to repeal the law.

Trump’s attacks targeting McCain have continued after the senator’s death.