Naval Aviation Case Studies
The journey of becoming your best self with regards to character, technical ability, and cognitive readiness can include tough decisions for both Sailors and Officers. Our members are sometimes faced with tough decisions in right vs. wrong or, right vs. right dilemmas. What are your moral obligations a person? As a uniformed officer of the Navy?
Here are some scenarios that provide a bird's-eye view of various real-world dilemmas. These scenarios illustrate when a member does not live up to our values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment and how we, as a fellow member of the Navy Team, can understand the thought-to-action chain and apply constructive confrontation. As you review the case studies, put yourself in the shoes of a co-worker, colleague, friend, senior and subordinate of the individual described.
Inappropriate Behavior
Description: Battle Group Commander (O-8), married with family, engaged in consensual sexual affair while visiting a foreign port.
Background: Inappropriate behavior was reported and investigated; RADM was awarded NJP and found in violation of UCMJ articles 134 (drunkenness) and 133 (conduct unbecoming an officer and gentlemen). He was awarded a Letter of Reprimand at NJP by COMFLT for these displays of improper character and integrity. RADM was relieved of command and retired from service within three months.
DownloadInappropriate Influence
Description: Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) commander and his staff attempt to influence amphibious ship captain to move location of ship despite safety concerns.
Background: Ship is participating in the anniversary of General MacArthur’s return to the Philippines with an international celebration and demonstration conducted on and near the island of Corregidor. SECNAV and his staff are staging from the ship. An ESG commander, embarked for the event, contacts PACFLT and PACOM (since it is a DoD-directed event) headquarters to support the ship’s re-location. Fleet commander convenes an informal investigation into the event.
DownloadMisuse of Government Aircraft
Description: RADM (NFO) uses Replacement Air Group (RAG) tactical aircraft (F 14) for cross-country flights. O-6 RAG CO endorses.
Background: Flights reported through the Commander Naval Air Forces (CNAF) Hotline and an informal investigation ensued. Initial findings indicate marginal training value for flights, they were repeated to the same airfield and they occurred during a moratorium on cross-country flying as the result of tight budgets.
DownloadMisuse of Government Property
Description: RDML in command uses assigned staff and barge to entertain family. Event is captured on iPhone by barge crewmember and posted on his Facebook page. Facebook entry is discovered by fleet staff. RDML is given oral and written reprimand at NJP.
Background: The admiral’s barge and staff are powerful resources when used to enhance the image of the command, the Navy, and/or to entertain official guests. The barge carries a tradition unique to the Navy and is a visible sign of its most senior officers. However, since these resources are such outwardly visible signs of rank and status, they can be temptations for misuse. Following this incident, the type commander directed an informal investigation into the behavioral failures that led to its occurrence.
DownloadDUI
Description: Squadron commanding officer (CO) arrested on base for DUI.
Background: The recently promoted commanding officer is getting his squadron prepared for the carrier qualifications. CO joins some of his junior aviators at the officers’ club for a drink. CO is stopped for DUI going out the main gate. CO is removed from command and CAG initiates an informal investigation to discover the behavioral failures involved.
DownloadInappropriate Use of Equipment and Personnel
Description: Commanding Officer used squadron personnel and government furniture to support a holiday party at his residence.
Background: An informal investigation was convened to examine the case and to determine what decisions, events and circumstances contributed to the behavioral failing. The results are published here.
Download0-6 Fraud
Description: An active duty Navy O-6 found guilty of defrauding the U.S. Government by knowingly collecting unauthorized Variable Housing Allowance benefits while residing in government housing. SNO was tried, convicted, and sentenced to a prison term to be served at the Federal Penitentiary at Fort Leavenworth.
Background: An informal investigation was convened to explore the case and to determine what decisions, events, and circumstances contributed to the O-6’s misconduct. The investigation was initiated following the results of the court-martial and completely separate from disciplinary proceedings.
DownloadGifts
Description: Commander, Numbered Fleet (COMFLEET) convened an informal investigation to explore the circumstances surrounding allegations of U.S. Navy favoritism to an Italian vendor. The issue erupted from an internal Italian investigation into fraud and corruption of water front vendors.
Background: Ship is participating in the anniversary of General MacArthur’s return to the Philippines with an international celebration and demonstration conducted on and near the island of Corregidor. SECNAV and his staff are staging from the ship. An ESG commander, embarked for the event, contacts PACFLT and PACOM (since it is a DoD-directed event) headquarters to support the ship’s re-location. Fleet commander convenes an informal investigation into the event.
Download0-5 Adultery
Description: An active duty, married Navy O-5 commits adultery with a married civilian. He is relieved of command.
Background: The Air Wing commander convened an informal investigation to explore the case and to determine what decisions, events and circumstances contributed to the behavioral failing. The investigation was initiated following the results of Captain’s Mast but was conducted separately from Captain’s Mast.
DownloadViolence
Description: O-4 Maintenance LDO is jailed for domestic violence and misses ship’s movement.
Background: LDO is frustrated due to upcoming deployment and inability to clear maintenance action forms. Nagging aircraft problems threaten his reputation for “maintenance magic.” He consumes alcohol and abuses his wife. Security arrests him but his wife does not press charges. He is referred to an administrative board and is discharged. An informal investigation is convened to explore the case and to determine what decisions, events and circumstances contributed to the behavioral failing. The investigation was initiated following the results of the UCMJ but completely separate from UCMJ.
DownloadSecurity Violation
Description: Squadron operations officer takes secret material home for the weekend. Security personnel find the material during random gate search. Operations officer is removed from the command and receives NJP. He retires at twenty years of service.
Background: An informal investigation was convened to examine the case and to determine what decisions, events and circumstances contributed to the behavioral failing. The investigation was initiated following the results of the NJP, but is completely separate from the NJP
DownloadDepartment Head Inappropriate Relationship
Description: Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) commander and his staff attempt to influence amphibious ship captain to move location of ship despite safety concerns.
Background: A 34-year-old squadron maintenance department head was given captain’s mast following a four-month relationship with a 20-year-old Sailor. The officer, a Lieutenant Commander with 12 years of service, was found guilty of several infractions of the UCMJ and was subsequently fined and administratively discharged. The enlisted member with 2 years of service was also found guilty of violations of the UCMJ and was fined and reduced in rank.
DownloadO-3 and E-5 Adultery
Description: Married male O-3 and female E-5 in different commands have an illicit sexual relationship. Both are awarded NJP, fined, the E-5 reduced in rank and the O-3 administratively separated.
Background: An informal investigation was convened to explore the case and to determine what decisions, events and circumstances contributed to the behavioral failing. The investigation was initiated following the results of the UCMJ but completely separate from UCMJ.
Download0-3 Bath Salt Sales (Intent for Distribution)
Description: An O-3 graduate of the Naval Academy with a degree in chemical engineering is caught transporting sixty 500mg bottles of bath salts onboard his CVN just prior to deployment overseas. O-3 awarded NJP in lieu of criminal charges for cooperating with NCIS and administratively discharged. Resulting investigation netted 32 officers and sailors who had purchased the bath salts from the O-3.
Background: The CVN CO conducted an informal investigation to ascertain the behavioral failures in this incident. The investigation was separate from the UCMJ JAGMAN investigation and the NCIS investigation.
DownloadO-3 Misconduct and E-6 Cheating
Description: During General Quarters onboard a navy warship, an O-3 is discovered in a compromising position with fellow shipmates. As part of the requirements for her EWAS training signature she demanded sex from the trainees. She is referred to a Courts Martial, found guilty of various violations of the UCMJ and dishonorably discharged. In addition, eleven members of the crew are disciplined with reduced rank and fines.
Background: A formal investigation was convened to examine the case and to determine what decisions, events and circumstances contributed to the behavioral failing of this officer and those individuals who were signed off by the O-3. The investigation was initiated following the results of the UCMJ but completely separate from UCMJ.
DownloadO-3 Misconduct
Description: Squadron A.I. provides answers to aircrew during COMPTUEX threat aircraft and ship recognition examination. A.I. receives letter of reprimand from commanding officer. He promotes to LT(JG) one year behind cadre.
Background: CAG directs an informal investigation to examine the case and to determine what decisions, events and circumstances contributed to the behavioral failing to include a poor command climate. The investigation revealed that one squadron in the air wing failed to use approved testing procedures. CAG removed the squadron from the flight schedule for 24 hours and re-tested with positive results. The CO had his change of command two days later (three months early).
DownloadE-8 Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) Fraud
Description: An active duty E-8 found guilty of defrauding the US Government by knowingly collecting unauthorized Overseas Housing Allowance benefits while residing in government housing in Japan. SNPO was tried, convicted, and sentenced to confinement to be served at a Federal Penitentiary.
Background: An informal investigation was convened to explore the case and to determine what decisions, events and circumstances contributed to the behavioral failing. The investigation was initiated following the results of the court martial but completely separate from court martial.
DownloadCMC Circumventing an Order
Description: Unit CO, XO, and Command Master Chief (CMC) disregard wing commander’s zero tolerance policy for alcohol abuse during working hours. CO and XO are relieved and reassigned while CMC is taken to Captains’ Mast.
Background: Influenced by the tragic death of his brother due to a drunk driver, wing commander instituted a policy requiring sobriety tests each morning prior to work. Anyone that recorded more than .000 BAC was to be written up as unfit for duty and taken to NJP. At the conclusion of this case, regional commander (RADM) directed an informal investigation into the behavioral failings involved.
DownloadMemorabilia Sales for the Chief’s Mess
Description: Senior Chief placed in charge of memorabilia sales for USS Ship. Innovative and entrepreneurial E-8 takes a solvent but struggling chief’s mess and builds it into a thriving business.
Background: An informal investigation was convened to explore the case and to determine what decisions, events and circumstances contributed to the behavioral failing. The investigation was initiated following the results of the NJP but completely separate from NJP.
DownloadE-8 Ordered to DAPA
Description: Senior Chief Petty Officer (SCPO) gets DUI and is ordered to DAPA treatment.
Background: Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) policy dictates that everyone convicted of DUI will attend mandatory DAPA treatment. E-8 issued orders to DAPA treatment because of DUI. E-8’s commanding officer initiates an informal investigation to examine the circumstances behind this front-running Senior Chief’s mistake.
DownloadE-5 Use and Sale of Spice
Description: E-5 found with large amount of spice onboard deployed aircraft carrier. CO awards NJP for violation of UMCJ articles 92 and 98.
Background: E-5 (referred to as Petty Officer Clark in this report) was assigned to bow catapults, V-2 division onboard aircraft carrier as the night shift supervisor. He had above average evaluations and was tracking for E-6. E-5 forfeiture half months pay for two months, reduced in rank and administratively discharged. The CO directed an investigation into the causes of behavioral failures with this incident. Names, while false, are added for clarity.
DownloadE-5 Cheating on CDI Exam
Description: Avionics technician E-5 caught cheating on the closed-book portion of the CDI exam. During the exam, the clerk proctoring the exam observed the E-5 referring to a partially concealed paper. The clerk reported the incident to the QA chief who confronted the E-5. The E-5 admitted to using his notes.
Background: The unit maintenance officer charged the E-5 with a violation of the UCMJ and he was taken to captain’s mast. The captain found him in violation of the UCMJ but suspended punishment for six months under the conditions of good behavior. He was removed from the QA work center. The commanding officer directed an informal inquiry to determine the behavioral failures in this incident.
DownloadE-6 and E-4 Inappropriate Relationship
Description: Unmarried female E-6 day check supervisor and unmarried but engaged male E-4 have inappropriate relationship. Both are awarded NJP, fined, and reduced in rank.
Background: An informal investigation was convened to explore the case and to determine what decisions, events and circumstances contributed to the behavioral failing. The investigation was initiated following the results of the UCMJ.
DownloadO-3 and E-5 Adultery (#16)
Description: Married male O-3 and female E-5 in different commands have an illicit sexual relationship. Both are awarded NJP, fined, and reduced in rank.
Background: An informal investigation was convened to explore the case and to determine what decisions, events and circumstances contributed to the behavioral failing. The investigation was initiated following the results of the NJP but completely separate from NJP.
DownloadWedding Fraud Scam
Description: A Navy E-4 assigned to the personnel support detachment (PSD) at a Navy base marketed fraudulent marriages to sailors. The scheme involved linking the Sailors to female foreign nationals who were working at a local dance club. The E-4 (and others) was charged with conspiracy, marriage fraud, false claims, and theft of government property, false statements related to naturalization or citizenship, and naturalization fraud. E-4 was awarded NJP and was eventually dishonorably discharged. He is currently incarcerated in a federal penitentiary.
Background: An informal investigation was convened to explore the case and to determine what decisions, events and circumstances contributed to the behavioral failing. The investigation was initiated following the results of the UCMJ and criminal court proceedings.
DownloadE-3 and E-2 Liberty Incident (Alcohol)
Description: Male E-3 & E-2 go on liberty in foreign port; both stop at the first bar they see and drink heavily. E-3 breaks into apartment; foreign port authorities catch both sailors and contact Shore Patrol. Shore Patrol returns sailors to the ship.
Background: Carrier’s Commanding Officer convenes an informal investigation to explore the circumstances surrounding allegations of breaking and entering by ship’s sailors. A secondary investigation by the liberty board explored the ship’s alcohol use policy in foreign ports.
DownloadE-3 Receiving BAH and Not Supporting Dependents
Description: An active duty E-3 found guilty of receiving married BAH and not supporting his dependents.
Background: An informal investigation was convened to explore the case and to determine what decisions, events and circumstances contributed to the behavioral failing. The investigation was initiated following the results of the UCMJ but completely separate from UCMJ.
DownloadE-3 Wedding Fraud Scam
Description: An active duty Navy E-3 stationed aboard CVN defrauds the U.S. Government by participating in a fraudulent wedding scam to receive married BAQ. E-3 awarded NJP vice courts martial due to first offense. Fined, reduced in rank to E-1 and dishonorably discharged.
Background: An informal investigation was convened to explore the case and to determine what decisions, events and circumstances contributed to the E-3 behavioral failing. The investigation was initiated following the results of the UCMJ but completely separate from UCMJ.
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