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Brett E. Crozier, the ship's former commander, will not be reinstated, Navy Adm. Michael M. Gilday, chief of naval operations said at a Pentagon news conference. Maj. Gen. Andrew J. Gebara, commander of 8th Air Force, relieved two commanders today from their positions of leadership at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, due to a loss of confidence in their ability to complete their assigned duties. "Eighth Force continues to safeguard global combat power and conduct around-the-clock strategic deterrence operations in a safe, secure and effective manner," Gebara said. The report indicates that four subordinate leaders were relieved of their duties by commanders assigned to Minot Air Force Base. Lt. Col. Jon-Paul Depreo, former commander of the 46th Engineer Battalion, pictured at the battalion's military ball on Dec. 13, 2022 in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Apr 29, 2021 A high-ranking officer in the Army's 10th Mountain Division was relieved from duty following an investigation in allegations of misconduct. Maj. Gen. Andrew J. Gebara, commander of 8th Air Force, relieved Col. Gregory Mayer of the 5th Mission Support Group and Maj. Jonathan Welch of the 5th Logistics Readiness Squadron, both based at Minot Air Force Base. Market data provided by Factset. Richard J. Zamberlan, the ships skipper, and Cmdr. Choose which Defense.gov products you want delivered to your inbox. BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. The firings were "due to a loss of confidence in their ability to complete their assigned duties," according to the Monday press release. Cmdr. (Michael Richmond/U.S. Small and agile with crews of about 80 sailors, Independence-class littoral warships like the Montgomery have a futuristic-looking, all-aluminum trimaran design. Air Force), A B-52H Stratofortress aircraft assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, arrives May 4, 2021, at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. Lew Guerrero; Navy Rear Adm. John Menoni, the commander of Joint Region Marianas; and Navy Capt. Commander of Ukraine's Ground Forces arrives in Bakhmut for second time in six days. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. On December 10, 2021, Commander, Naval Surface Squadron 14, Capt. The arrests were first reported by Military.com and local news outlets. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michael M. Gilday answers questions during a Pentagon news conference on the results of the USS Theodore Roosevelt Command investigation, June 19, 2020. The Navy has dealt with other command issues related to sexual harassment in recent months. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. The 5th Mission Support Group assists and supports the "5th Bomb Wing's 28 B-52 strategic bombers, the 91st Missile Wing's 165 Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic missiles and Launch control centers, and the 54th Helicopter Squadron's eight UH-1 helicopters," according to Mayer's biography. The report says that Maj. Gen. Andrew J. Gebara, the commander of the 8th Air Force, relieved the two commanders due to a loss of confidence in their ability to complete their assigned duties. Air Force). The Navy announced it has relieved the captain who sounded the alarm about an outbreak of COVID-19 aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt. The commander of a US aircraft carrier that has been hit by a major outbreak of coronavirus has been relieved of command for showing poor judgment days after Biographical details about Welch's career were not immediately available. Phillip Lundberg, the vessels executive officer, were relieved by Capt. A colonel at Tinker Air Force Base has been relieved of his duties after an investigation found he failed to foster a culture of safety and berated crews for not flying training missions on short rest. Two Commanders and four leaders were fired, however no specific reason was given. Legal Statement. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Greg Steele/U.S. The littoral combat ship Montgomery has in recent years patrolled contested waterways like the South China Sea and the Philippine Sea. A Navy official told USNI News that he was relieved due to subtantiated sexual harassment concerns. The two officials spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the continuing inquiry. "As Captain Crozier stated in his email, he should have been more decisive when the ship pulled into Guam," Gilday said. "Our mission is foundational to our Nation's defense, and we remain committed to the success of that no-fail mission. The Pentagon services typically release the names of commanders when announcing reliefs for cause. The decision was made by Maj. Gen. Andrew J. Gebara, commander of 8th Air Force, which oversees the Air Forces fleet of nuclear-capable strategic bombers and comes amid heightened scrutiny of the U.S. military's nuclear readiness. Your News Leader is reaching out to MAFB Public Affairs for more information, including temporary leadership, and will update this story as we learn more. The U.S. Air Force announced that Col. Gary Donovan, 552nd Operations Group commander, was relieved from command on Monday. "I previously believed that Captain Crozier should be reinstated following his relief in April, after conducting an initial investigation,"Gilday said at today's news conference. Mayer took command of the 5th Mission Support Group in June last year. "These personnel actions were necessary to maintain the very high standards we demand of those units entrusted with supporting our Nation's nuclear mission," Maj. Gen. Andrew J. Gebara, commander of 8th Air Force, said in an Air Force Global Strike Command press release Monday. Richard J. Zamberlan, the ships skipper, and Cmdr. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. 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Its unclear at this point who will take over interim leadership of the 5th Logistics Readiness Squadron. Louis Casiano is a reporter for Fox News Digital. Depreos relief is linked to an incident that occurred at the battalions Dec. 14 holiday ball at a casino in Lake Charles, Louisiana, according to a source familiar with the move. -- Thomas Novelly can be reached at thomas.novelly@military.com. You can change your choices at any time by clicking on the 'Privacy dashboard' links on our sites and apps. Capt. (U.S. Air Force). "Their outstanding efforts greatly contributed to the health, safety and recovery of the crew of USS Theodore Roosevelt," Braithwaite said. They were dismissed due to a loss of confidence in their ability to complete their assigned duties, an Air Force statement said. "In reviewing both Admiral Baker and Captain Crozier's actions, they did not do enough, soon enough, to fulfill their primary obligation. Pair of commanders within 5th Bomb Wing fired Monday, UPDATE: Bismarck Police Release re incident at BHS, North Dakota schools and law enforcement agencies receive false threat Thursday, Teen killed in collision with train in Mountrail County, News release from Williston Police Department, Two men convicted of murder in 2021 shooting death, Closed Caption Inquiries - (701) 255-5757. Actions were already underway to acquire [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]-compliant off-base hotel rooms for the crew before he sent that email.". In addition, Navy Rear Adm. Stuart Baker's pending promotion to two-star rank has been put on hold, pending further review, Gilday said. Six leaders from the North Dakata base have been relieved over a lack of confidence, the Air Force said Monday. The commander of Norfolk Naval Shipyard has been relieved of duty related to the yards ongoing performance struggles in repairing and modernizing nuclear Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller relieved of duty today for posting video criticizing military leaders for failing to take responsibility for disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan. Two top-ranking officers on a U.S. Navy vessel were relieved of duty on Thursday due to a "loss of confidence in their ability to command," the Navy announced. The enlisted advisers for the five Department of Defense branches called on Congress to help them advocate for military Col. Gregory Mayer, the commander of the 5th Mission Support Group, and Maj. Jonathan Welch, the commander of the 5th VA medical patients who have gone to a non-VA emergency room since 2010 can get their out-of-pocket coinsurance costs Russia has declared that a group of saboteurs from Ukraine crossed into its territory and attacked border villages, a raid Copyright 2023 Military.com. We have full confidence in the soldiers and leaders of the 35th Signal Lion Brigade and hold all leaders accountable for their actions, Kurilla said in a statement. Mayer, Welch and four subordinate leaders were relieved of command "due to a loss of confidence in their ability to complete their assigned duties," the Air Force said. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Maj. Gen. Andrew J. Gebara, commander of 8th Air Force, relieved two commanders today from their positions of leadership at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, due to a loss of confidence in their ability to complete Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Additionally, four additional subordinate leaders were relieved by commanders assigned to Minot Air Force Base. By Geoff Ziezulewicz. Cmdr. Following the release of a report into the events surrounding an outbreak of COVID-19 on the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, Navy Capt. In the end, the email and the letters sent by Captain Crozier were unnecessary. The Pentagon has not provided any public updates or said when the formal policy will be issued. Col. Gregory Mayer, center, accepts the command guidon of the 5th Mission Support Group on June 30, 2022, at Minot Air Force Base, N.D. Mayer is one of two Lt. Col. Jon-Paul Depreo was relieved as commander of the 46th Engineer Battalion, a separate battalion of the Fort Bragg, North Carolina-based 20th Engineer Brigade, according to a statement from Fort Polk spokesperson Shelby Waryas. The Air Force has relieved six leaders assigned to a North Dakota base in charge of nuclear missiles and bombers over a loss of confidence, the military branch said Monday. To protect the privacy of the individuals, further details will not be released. Col. Matt Foulk, commander of the Army's 35th Signal Brigade (Lion Brigade), was removed from command Monday. Based on facts found in the report, which Gilday and Navy Secretary Kenneth J. Braithwaite characterized as both thorough and fair, Gilday said his initial recommendation that Crozier reinstated was proven wrong. The Air Force has relieved six leaders assigned to a North Dakota base in charge of nuclear missiles and bombers over a loss of confidence, the military branch said Monday. He was the only sailor aboard the Roosevelt to die from COVID-19. Find out more about how we use your personal data in our privacy policy and cookie policy. Minot Air Force Base houses two of the three wings of whats known as the nuclear triad the 5th Bomb Wing and the 91st Missile Wing. In April, the admiral in charge of naval aviation maintenance depots, Rear Adm. Trent DeMoss, was removed from command pending a Navy inspector general inquiry into sexual harassment complaints. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. The relief comes on the heels of local authorities arresting five soldiers stationed at the Louisiana post on rape charges. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, The new ships have experienced engine problems and other flaws, which Navy officials now say they have ironed out. Brett Crozier, who 0:57. Cmdr. Task & Purpose identified the commanders who were relieved of duty but the subordinates were not named. Col. Gregory Mayer, who ran the 5th Mission Support Group; Maj. Jonathan Welch, the Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Maj. Gen. Andrew J. Gebara, commander of 8th Air Force, relieved two commanders today from their positions of leadership at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, due to a loss of confidence in their ability to complete their assigned duties. "These personnel actions were necessary to maintain the very high standards we demand of those units entrusted with supporting our nation's nuclear mission," Gebara said Monday in a command statement. Lt. The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt flies a replica of Capt. Col. Gregory Mayer, the commander of the 5th Mission Support Group, and Maj. Jonathan Welch, the commander of the 5th Logistics Readiness Squadron, were A Marine officer has been relieved of duty after he was seen in a viral video demanding accountability from military leaders following Thursday's attack in Mayer was responsible for $4.3 billion in base and missile field assets, according to his biography, which has since been removed from the units website. 2023 www.augustachronicle.com. authenticate users, apply security measures, and prevent spam and abuse, and, display personalised ads and content based on interest profiles, measure the effectiveness of personalised ads and content, and, develop and improve our products and services. All Rights Reserved. ", Both Crozier and Baker failed to move sailors off the aircraft carrier as quickly as they could have, and failed to move them to a safer environment more quickly, Gilday said. Depreo previously served in various engineering-oriented staff roles across the Army, including in Iraq, the Pentagon and Germany. Army veteran Allison Jaslow also is the first LGBTQ leader of a major veterans service organization. The names of the subordinates are not being publicized by base leaders. All rights reserved. He graduated from Penn State University and is a Defense Information School alumnus. That firing was reported earlier by USNI News. It is unusual for the Navy to relieve a ships commander, much less its two top officers, for any reason. The 5th Bomb Wing maintains a fleet of 28 nuclear-capable B-52H Stratofortress bombers. The commander and second in charge of the U.S.S. Previous command removals at Minot AFB included the dismissal of the 91st Missile Wing Operations Support Squadron commander in 2021 and the 69th Bomb Squadron and 91st Security Forces Group commanders in 2018. Col. Gregory Mayer, commander of the 5th Mission Support Group, and Maj. Jonathan Welch, the 5th Logistics Readiness Squadron commander, were dismissed from their jobs along with four of their subordinates, a base spokesperson told Stars and Stripes on Monday. Davis studied history at Vanderbilt University and UNC-Chapel Hill, writing a master's thesis about how the Cold War-era Defense Department influenced Hollywood's WWII movies. "These personnel actions were necessary to maintain the very high standards we demand of those units entrusted with supporting our Nation's nuclear mission," said Gebara. Ken Anderson, relieved Cmdr. from around the world. Lt Col. Matthew Lohmeier, 11th Space Warning Squadron Commander, was relieved of command in May after controversial remarks on a Air Force Global Strike Command added that, in addition to the two commanders, four subordinate leaders were fired by other officials at Minot. He was relieved of his duties as commander of the 11th Space Warning Squadron at Buckley Air Force Base in Colorado on Friday, May 14, by order of Lt. Gen. Steven Whiting. (Master Sgt. Copyright 2023 KFYR. The 91st Missile Wing, also located at Minot, oversees 150 Minuteman III missiles in underground launch facilities spread across an 8,500 square-mile missile complex. A brigade commander at Fort Gordon has been fired following allegations of personal misconduct, the Army announced Tuesday. Dustin Lonero, from the littoral combat ship Coronado, was assigned as the Montgomerys skipper until a permanent replacement is named. Six leaders from the North Dakata base have been relieved over a lack of confidence, the Air Force said Monday. To protect the privacy of the individuals, further details will not be released. In the case of the San Diego-based Montgomery, Commanders Zamberlan and Lundberg will be reassigned to desk jobs at the headquarters of the Pacific Fleets Naval Surface Force. Moreover, if Captain Crozier were still in command today, I would be relieving him.". 2023 Stars and Stripes. The Department of Defense provides the military forces needed to deter war and ensure our nation's security. Two commanders and four subordinates at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, an installation that is crucial to America's nuclear triad, have been fired from their jobs, reportedly after officials lost faith in their ability to perform their mission. 0:15. Maj. Rear Admiral Husband E. Kimmel was relieved of his command of the U.S. Pacific Fleet as part of a shake-up of officers in the wake of the Pearl Harbor disaster. ORIGINAL STORY (2/27): MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. (KMOT) Leadership with the 8th Air Force relieved a pair of commanders within the 5th Bomb Wing Monday, along with four subordinates, according to a report from Global Strike Command. Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander of the Ground Forces of The 5th Bomb Wing operates the B-52H Stratofortress aircraft, which is one of the two types of nuclear-capable bombers that the Air Force uses, the news outlet reported. The broadened review includes all personnel who worked on, guarded, supported or operated ground-based warheads, Global Strike Command announced last week. Bradford Tonder, who had served as the commanding officer since December 2020, according to a Navy release. In the letter, he asked for more assistance in dealing with the outbreak of COVID-19 on the ship. He has 10 years experience as an Air Force photojournalist covering operations in Timor-Leste, Guam and the Middle East. A lieutenant colonel commanding an engineer battalion at Fort Polk, Louisiana, has been fired amid a criminal investigation, an installation spokesperson confirmed to Army Times. All rights reserved. Market data provided by Factset. A Marine spokesman confirmed Scheller Maj. Gen. Andrew J. Gebara, commander of 8th Air Force, relieved two commanders today from their positions of leadership at Minot Air Force Base, North Crozier was relieved of duty April 2 following the leak of a letter he wrote to those higher up in his chain of command. He joined Military Times in 2020. or redistributed. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Crozier will not be reassigned as the commanding officer of the USS Theodore Roosevelt, nor will he be eligible for future command opportunities. Anyone can read what you share. Davis Winkie is a senior reporter covering the Army, specializing in accountability reporting, personnel issues and military justice. Manman Dejeto/Agence France-Presse Getty Images. Baker, the commander of Strike Group 9, was Crozier's immediate superior. The Air Force did not specify why commanders had lost confidence in all six individuals. Two commanders and four subordinate leaders at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, have been relieved of command, according to a terse news release from This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Montgomery has in recent years patrolled contested waterways like the South China Sea and the Philippine Sea in what Navy officials say is a signal to allies and adversaries that the United States is committed to protecting free and open international waters. All rights reserved. Space Command. Sailors wait in line to dispose of trash in a waste room aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, June 17, 2020. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. "The much broader, deeper investigation that we conducted in the weeks following that had a much deeper scope. Gilday said it is the findings of the more detailed investigation, rather than the existence of the leaked letter, that have prevented Crozier from being reinstated as commander of the Roosevelt. The commanders who were relieved are Col. Gregory Mayer, 5th Mission Support Group Commander, and Maj. Jonathan Welch, 5th Logistics Readiness Gregory McWherter was a two-time commander of the elite precision Navy flying team. The Air Force relieved 6 leaders assigned to Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota. In a Facebook post Friday afternoon, Scheller said he had been relieved of his duties and would leave the Marine Corps. Two commanders among those relieved of duty at Minot Air Force Base. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Blue Angels commander Capt. America is still the light shining in a fog of chaos. Lieutenant Colonel Scheller posted on Facebook that he has been relieved of duty and will leave the Marine Corps for cause based on lack of trust and confidence Marc Crawford, the commander of ", An official website of the United States government, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. WebCmdr. In the letter, he asked for more assistance in Lt. Gen. Erik Kurilla, the 18th Airborne Corps Commander, stated there was "a loss ofconfidence" in Foulk's ability to command after the misconduct probe was conducted. Gen. Andrew Gebara, commander of 8th Air Force, Alexander reports on the U.S. military and local news in Europe for Stars and Stripes in Kaiserslautern, Germany. Jeffrey Grimes, commander of Naval Base Guam, for work related to finding facilities on Guam to house sailors from the Roosevelt. A B-52H Stratofortress aircraft assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, arrives May 4, 2021, at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. An official website of the United States Government. WASHINGTON The Navy has fired the commander and the second in charge of the littoral combat ship Montgomery because of a loss of confidence in their ability to command, the service said on Thursday. Two commanders and four subordinate leaders at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, have been relieved of command, according to a terse news release from 8th Air Force. UPDATE (3/1): Report: failed nuclear inspections led to firings within 5th Bomb Wing. Col. Gregory Mayer, the commander of the 5th Mission Support Group, and Maj. Jonathan Welch, the commander of the 5th Logistics Readiness Squadron, were both relieved of their jobs, a Minot Air Force Base spokeswoman confirmed to Military.com on Tuesday morning. 2 Commanders Among 6 Fired from Jobs at Minot Air Force Base, Paris Davis, Black Green Beret in Vietnam, Finally Awarded Medal of Honor at White House, Ex-Army Private Gets 45 Years for Plot Against His Unit, The Pentagon Is Behind on Issuing Policy to Allow Cadets Who Have Kids to Remain at Service Academies, IAVA Names New CEO, First Woman to Lead the Post-9/11 Veterans Organization, Air Mobility Command Removes Tail Numbers and Unit Info from Planes, Alarming Watchdogs, All Combat-Injured Vets Would Keep Their Full Retirement, Disability Pay Under Proposal, Better Housing, Health Care, Pay and a Call for National Service Needed to Buoy Recruitment, Enlisted Chiefs Say, Veterans' Emergency Room Bills Could Get Repaid by VA Thanks to Change, Why Purported Cross-Border Attack Ups Ante in Ukraine War, Military Services Will Amend COVID Vaccine Refuser Records So They Aren't Passed Over for Promotions, an archived copy on the Internet Archive's Wayback Machine shows, now investigating whether service members, Special Operations Commander Fired After Being Arrested for Alleged Drunk Driving, Hit and Run, The Personally Procured Move (PPM): Steps to Take, Service Members Get Special Rental and Eviction Protection, The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act - SCRA, Ohio Guard Quietly Removed Guardsman Guilty of Making Ghost Guns Last Year, Some Neck and Hand Tattoos OK for Airmen and Guardians Under New Policy Aimed at Helping Recruiting, Nuclear Base Fired 6 Service Members Over Failed Safety Inspection, Defense Official Says, Hawaii Congressional Delegation Asks IRS to Exempt Red Hill Families, Navy Seabee Battalion Honored in Decommissioning Ceremony, Is Deactivated After 80 Years of Building and Fighting, Navy Investigating 3 Instances of 'Hate Symbols' Aboard Destroyer, Health Net Protests $65.1 Billion Tricare Contract Award, Tricare Dental Program to Expand Choice of Carriers Under New Law, Veterans Group Pushes Cap on Attorney Fees in Camp Lejeune Water Cases Despite Political Divide on Limits, Disabled Vets Post Stunning Job Gains as Economy Remains Hot Despite Inflation, Marine Corps Axes Elite Scout Sniper Platoons, Coast Guard Relieves Commander Following Deadly Collision, Coast Guard Swimmer Recounts Dramatic Rescue of Alleged Oregon Yacht Thief and Goonies Prankster, Coast Guard Gulf of Mexico Rescue to Be Chronicled in Survival Thriller Movie, Celebrated Pearl Harbor Survivor Jack Holder Lived Large for Those Who Didn't Make It, 'Dead Space' Remake Gets Everything Right, Army Veteran Wayne Shorter Was a Titan of Jazz. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Further details about the firings or related reprimands were not made available Tuesday. "Moreover, I fully support its findings and recommendations, and I'd like to take this time to commend the investigation team led by [Adm. Robert P. Burke] under the direction of our chief of naval operations [on the work that they did, under very demanding conditions.". Lt. Col. David Burnham, the deputy commander of the 35th Signal brigade, will assume interim command responsibility. The Air Force didn't identify the commanders, but an Air Force spokesperson confirmed their identities to Task & Purpose. Additionally, four additional subordinate leaders were relieved by commanders assigned to Minot Air Force Base. TWO MORE REPUBLICANS IDENTIFIED AS HAVING AIR FORCE RECORDS IMPROPERLY RELEASED TO DEM-LINKED RESEARCHER, A B-52H Stratofortress takes off. Col. Michael Maginness will be stepping in as interim Mission Support Group Commander, MAFB Public Affairs said. Nearly all of them (82 percent) remain in the Navy Col. Gregory Mayer, shown in an official photo from 2022, was recently dismissed from his position as commander of the 5th Mission Support Group at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota. The engineer officer took over the Steel Spike battalion in June 2021, according to unit social media. An Air Force biography about Mayer's career has been removed from the base's website, but an archived copy on the Internet Archive's Wayback Machine shows he took on his role as commander of the 5th Mission Support Group in June 2022. The Navy did not elaborate on the circumstances of the firings, but two Navy officials said the officers removal had resulted from their handling of a sexual harassment investigation. "If they do, they must ensure that all of the means of communication within the chain of command have been thoroughly exhausted and that they have a full understanding of all the facts, and that they include all members of their chain of command in that communication," he said. The firings come as the Air Force is expanding a review of whether nine instances of blood cancer found in officers over decades are linked to nuclear silo work. They entered the fleet in the past two years to operate in littoral areas, or waters close to shore, where larger vessels may have difficulty maneuvering. Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets Cmdr. The report says that Maj. Gen. Andrew J. Gebara, the commander of the 8th Air Force, relieved the two commanders due to a loss of confidence in their ability to complete their assigned duties., Maj. Gen. Gebara also released a statement that says, in part: These personnel actions were necessary to maintain the very high standards we demand of those units entrusted with supporting our nations nuclear mission.. The U.S. Army is currently investigating the allegations., Waryas also confirmed the Army Criminal Investigation Division is one of the agencies investigating the alleged misconduct, adding that Depreo is presumed innocent until a court or commander finds them guilty beyond a reasonable doubt..