UNCATEGORIZED

Navy’s reason for discipline of Bremerton-based admiral

Apr 9, 2013, 4:50 PM | Updated: Apr 10, 2013, 10:34 am

The U.S. Navy investigated the commander of the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group, Rear Admiral ...

The U.S. Navy investigated the commander of the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group, Rear Admiral Charles Gaouette, for five months. He was removed from his ship - mid deployment - and sent back to the homeport in Bremerton last fall. (US Navy photo)

(US Navy photo)

The U.S. Navy finally hints at why Rear Admiral Charles Gaouette was relieved of command of an aircraft carrier strike group in the Middle East and sent back to Bremerton.

Five months have passed since Gaouette was removed from duty and sent to the USS John C. Stennis homeport in Bremerton due to an inappropriate judgment allegation.

Many conspiracy theories erupted. There were a lot of unanswered questions. And a military analyst I trust weighed in with a good guess about what happened.

Now, we know.

The Navy confirms Gaouette, who led Carrier Strike Group Three, had been accused of using profanity in a public setting, making derisive comments about a leader in the Navy, and saying at least two racially insensitive comments.

Sources in the Stennis strike group tell me the Gaoeutte’s behavior did not seem out of line to them. One person tells me the complaint was filed, claiming Gaoeutte was abusive, after he had corrected the commander for not following procedures.

Navy officials declined to provide details on what exactly he said.

He was cleared of criminal violations under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, but a letter and a report from the Naval Inspector General will be placed in Gaouette’s file.

Gaouette released a statement acknowledging mistakes.

In a statement about the case Gaouette said, “I fully accept responsibility and accountability for my actions while in command and deeply regret that my missteps have placed the Navy in this position.”

CBS military analyst, retired Army Major Mike Lyons says of all branches, the Navy has been the most aggressive in clamping down on unprofessional conduct.

“With the Navy, they live in such close quarters that any time personal conduct bleeds over into professional life, the reaction is to remove the officer while they investigate the allegations,” Lyons told me earlier.

The Navy Times newspaper reported that in 2011, 23 Navy officers were fired. Last year more than 20 Navy commanding officers were fired for “inappropriate behavior and misconduct.” So far in 2013 year, six Navy officers have been relieved of duty.

The Stennis and its strike group arrived in Singapore last week for a short port visit.

The aircraft carrier is returning from five months of operating in and around the Arabian Gulf, supporting coalition troops in the Afghanistan war.

The Stennis departed Bremerton August 27, 2012 and is expected to return in early May.

By LINDA THOMAS

Uncategorized

kent trooper shot...

Kate Stone

Man faces multiple charges after WSP trooper shooting in Kent

A man accused of shooting a Washington State Patrol trooper multiple times in Kent last Friday has been charged.

27 days ago

Oregon Emergency Landing - (Elizabeth Le via AP)...

KIRO 7 News Staff

‘Everyone was eerily calm,’ recalls passenger aboard ill-fated Alaska Airlines flight

Terror in the skies: A Vancouver, Washington, woman shares the harrowing moments after an airplane blowout over Portland.

2 months ago

Photo: SPD vehicle...

KIRO 7 News Staff

Two men shot at bus stop in North Seattle near Northgate

Two men were shot at a bus stop along Aurora Avenue Wednesday, according to the Seattle Police Department.

5 months ago

Manuel Ellis arrest, Tacoma police officers...

Associated Press

Prosecutors focus on video evidence in trial of Washington officers charged in Manny Ellis’ death

A cellphone video of the 2020 fatal arrest of Manny Ellis shows the Black man on the ground with his hands in the air in surrender

5 months ago

...

No Author

EXPIRED: Win tickets to see Stokley at EQC!

KIRO Newsradio is giving you a chance to win two tickets to see Stokley at the Emerald Queen Casino on Saturday, November 11, 2023!

6 months ago

(File photo)...

L.B. Gilbert

NLRB files complaint against Amazon for unlawful confidentiality agreement

A new complaint from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB ) is accusing Amazon of requiring some corporate employees to sign an unlawful confidentiality agreement. The complaint states Amazon had required a former employee from its drone project, Amazon Prime Air, to sign an agreement that forbade discussion of information regarding Amazon, whether or not […]

6 months ago

Navy’s reason for discipline of Bremerton-based admiral