CMC sacked for lying to investigators

The senior enlisted sailor of Airborne Command Control and Logistics Wing was relieved Friday after lying to investigators who were looking into allegations he’d misused funds, sources said.

During a captain’s mast Monday at Naval Base Ventura County, Calif., where the wing is based, Command Master Chief (AW/SW) Terry W. Piper was found to have violated Article 107 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice — making a false official statement. He was relieved Friday by wing commander Capt. Todd Watkins, according to a news release from the command.

The violation occurred during an investigation of Piper’s alleged improper handling of the command’s morale, welfare and recreation funds, according to Cmdr. Kevin Stephens, spokesman for Naval Air Forces in San Diego.

Though the investigation did not substantiate any improper handling of the funds by Piper, he was found to have lied to investigators, prompting the charge and his subsequent relief, sources told Navy Times.

Piper was given a nonpunitive letter of caution and has been reassigned to Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 55, also at NB Ventura County. Watkins is pursuing formal detachment for cause.

Senior Chief Air Traffic Controller (AW/SW) Joy McGill has been assigned as the acting Airborne Command Control and Logistics Wing CMC.