Lots of ways to be a dangerous or distracted driver. Not to condone drunk driving in any way but the bar is pretty all over the place and to destroy a 20+ year career without due process is Un-American.
Not implying guilt or innocence of the CO in this case, but what does the Commodore do with a CO who just got arrested for DUI and before he relieves him?
You would have to assume that he got a Navy JAG (or someone on his staff) to make some calls to find out what evidence the cops/DA has...
So, if the suspect decides to fight the arrest it in court, that may take 4-5 months before the judge makes a decision on guilt or innocence.
What does the Commodore do with the squadron during the 4-5 month period?? Leave the 'suspect' in command?
Have the XO fleet up to maybe bring the CO back in 4-5 months??
What if the suspect pleads down to a lesser charge (a VERY common occurance in first time DUI offenses)? Does the charge being reduced to something like reckless driving change the mind of the Commodore?
Talking with some buddies, how do you 'unring the bell' if you relieve someone and it turns out that the arrested individual was completely innocent? I would like to think that the Commodore (or JAG) did some legwork to determine what evidence is actually there before pulling the trigger and relieving this CO.
If the Commodore did relieve someone and it turned out the Commodore jumped the gun, then it will look badly on the Commodore for acting without determing what facts/info was available and then the Commodore can expect a call from CNAF....
The CO was relieved for "loss of confidence". The Commodore relieved a subordinate because he feels he is no longer the right man for the job. That's the perogative of Command, you can reassign your subordinates.
It does suck that a CO has been relieved. I don't know that individual, but to go this far in the Navy and have it ruined is a shame. But, it's the way the Navy operates today.
Agree or disagree, it's just how it is...