Skeptic Project

As the Navy continues its investigation into who knew what (and when) about the crude videos made by a ship captain, it has delayed the pending retirement of one of the captain's superiors.

The Navy earlier this month fired Capt. Owen Honors from his position as commander of the U.S.S. Enterprise, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, after videos he had made in 2006 and 2007 surfaced. The videos, which he made when he was the executive officer, or second in command, of the Enterprise, include gay slurs, mock masturbation and other crude subject matter.

The investigation continues, focusing now on Honors' superiors at the time. That includes Rear Adm. Larry Rice, who was the Enterprise commander from 2004 to 2007 and Honors' superior. Rice, who is now director of strategy and policy for U.S. Joint Forces Command, was scheduled to retire on Feb. 1. But, according to the Navy Times, that's been postponed.

The Enterprise, meanwhile, deployed today on a mission to support the war in Afghanistan, commanded by Capt. Dee L. Mewbourne.

Mewbourne said today that, while "no one" liked the circumstances in which Honors was fired, "we're focused on the future and the crew is ready."

Mewbourne said that he'll work to keep morale up, not through raunchy videos, but with diversions like video games and karaoke.

Honors has not been discharged; instead, he's been permanently removed from command of the Enterprise and is now on administrative duty.

http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/01/navy_blocks_retirement_of_admiral_over_video_flap.php