The Navy captain in charge of the naval station at Guantanamo Bay has been fired and is being investigated in connection with an alleged affair with a woman on the base and the recent death of her husband, U.S. officials said Wednesday. Capt. John R. Nettleton was relieved of duty Wednesday due to a loss of confidence in his ability to command, the Navy said in a press release.
The Navy would not comment on the details of the investigation. But U.S. officials said Nettleton is under investigation in connection with the death of Christopher Tur, who was found dead January 11. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to discuss the ongoing investigation. Tur, a civilian, was found dead in Guantanamo Bay waters on the western side of the base by the U.S. Coast Guard. He had been reported missing by his wife, also a civilian, the day before, officials said.
Officials said the alleged affair between Nettleton and Tur's wife was discovered during the course of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service's investigation into his death. Nettleton has served as commander of the naval station, but the job has no role in the operation of the Guantanamo Bay detention center, which is located on the base and run by a joint task force.
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel on Thursday confirmed Nettleton's firing, but declined to comment further during a press briefing, saying it would be inappropriate.
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