The commander of the San Diego-based USS Carl Vinson strike group, Rear Adm. David Steindl, has relieved Capt. Jeffrey Winter of his duties as commander of Carrier Air Wing 17.
Carrier Air Wing 17 is currently attached to the Vinson strike group in San Diego, but based at Naval Station Air Station Lemoore.
Commander, Naval Air Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs reports Steindl fired Winter because of loss of confidence in his ability to command:
Winter's relief follows the preliminary findings of an ongoing command investigation into allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a junior female Navy officer within his chain of command.
As the investigation into Winter’s alleged relationship continues, the Navy has reassigned him to Commander, Naval Air Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
According to Stars and Stripes:
Winter is a former Top Gun instructor who graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1989.
Winter was first assigned to the USS Carl Vinson in December 2011. He assumed command of the air wing in June.
