Stennis CSG commander sent home; probe ongoing
By Tony Lombardo - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Oct 27, 2012 10:29:28 EDT
The commander of the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group has been temporarily assigned — mid-deployment — while he is investigated by the Navy Inspector General, the Navy announced Saturday morning.
Rear Adm. Charles Gaouette has been accused of “inappropriate leadership judgment,” according to a Navy official familiar with the case.
Vice Adm. John Miller, commander Naval Forces Central Command, made the decision to reassign the commander of Carrier Strike Group 3, even though it’s deployed to the Middle East.
Gaouette will return to the CSG’s homeport in Bremerton, Wash., according to the Navy release, until the investigation is complete.
Capt. William Minter, Gaouette’s chief of staff, is temporarily in charge of the CSG, pending the arrival of Rear Adm. Troy Shoemaker, who will lead as the inquiry continues.
Shoemaker previously served as commander of Carrier Strike Group 9 and deployed with the carrier Abraham Lincoln.
The Stennis group deployed in late August, four months earlier than first expected, to maintain a two-carrier presence in the Middle East. Gaouette has led the group since April, according to his official bio. Prior to that he served as deputy commander, Naval Forces Central Command.
By Tony Lombardo - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Oct 27, 2012 10:29:28 EDT
The commander of the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group has been temporarily assigned — mid-deployment — while he is investigated by the Navy Inspector General, the Navy announced Saturday morning.
Rear Adm. Charles Gaouette has been accused of “inappropriate leadership judgment,” according to a Navy official familiar with the case.
Vice Adm. John Miller, commander Naval Forces Central Command, made the decision to reassign the commander of Carrier Strike Group 3, even though it’s deployed to the Middle East.
Gaouette will return to the CSG’s homeport in Bremerton, Wash., according to the Navy release, until the investigation is complete.
Capt. William Minter, Gaouette’s chief of staff, is temporarily in charge of the CSG, pending the arrival of Rear Adm. Troy Shoemaker, who will lead as the inquiry continues.
Shoemaker previously served as commander of Carrier Strike Group 9 and deployed with the carrier Abraham Lincoln.
The Stennis group deployed in late August, four months earlier than first expected, to maintain a two-carrier presence in the Middle East. Gaouette has led the group since April, according to his official bio. Prior to that he served as deputy commander, Naval Forces Central Command.