Squadron XO Fired For Alleged Misconduct

The executive officer of a P-3 Orion squadron was fired Tuesday following an allegation of misconduct.

Cmdr. Jason Stapleton, XO of Hawaii-based Patrol Squadron 4, was fired by Capt. Christopher Ramsden, commander of Patrol Reconnaissance Wing 2.

A Navy spokesman declined to elaborate on the allegation as it was still being investigated.

The alleged misconduct occurred while VP-4 was deployed to Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy, where it was supporting operations in Europe and Africa. The investigation began March 15 as soon as the squadron’s commanding officer, Cmdr. Brent Strong, was made aware of the allegation, Naval Air Forces spokesman Cmdr. Kevin Stephens said.

Stapleton will be reassigned to wing staff at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, and Cmdr. Michael Thompson will become the new XO. Thompson was previously selected to fill that billet and has already completed the required training, Stephens said.

Stapleton is the fourth XO fired this year.

Stapleton, a pilot, is a 1996 Naval Academy Graduate who was winged in 1998. He has served in Puerto Rico, Panama, El Salvador, Iceland and the Philippines. He also served in VP-30, the Navy’s fleet replacement squadron for the patrol community, VP-10, and onboard the carrier George Washington as the assistant strike officer. He reported to VP-4 in May 2012.

He has received the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and the air Medal (strike/fight) amongst other commendations.