Navy officials have reassigned Cmdr. Jason Stapleton, executive officer of Hawaii-based Patrol Squadron Four, while they investigate allegations of misconduct.
According to a Naval Air Forces news release, Stapleton will return to Kaneohe Bay from where the squadron is deployed at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy while the investigation is underway.
The news release states:
Executive Officers are the second in command of a Navy aircraft squadron and have a great deal of responsibility for their unit, their assigned Sailors and their mission. The allegations against Cmdr. Stapleton are being thoroughly investigated and appropriate action will be taken.
Navy spokesman Cmdr. Kevin Stephens told the Associated Press that the alleged incident of misconduct took place during deployment in Italy, but wouldn't release any further details of what exactly happened to warrant the reassignment.
Cmdr. Brett "WooWoo" Thompson will take over as executive officer.