September 18, 2012

Navy: Affair caused Conn. sub boss to fake death

Michael Melia Associated Press
 
Tags:armed forcesGeneral newsGovernment and politicsMilitary and defenseMilitary leadership
Jason Perry photo

In this Aug. 3, 2012 photo provided by the U.S. Navy, Cmdr. Michael P. Ward II, center, is saluted during the change-of-command ceremony for the nuclear submarine, USS Pittsburgh, at the Naval Submarine Base New London, in Groton, Conn. Ward was relieved of his command later that month. A report obtained Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2012 by The Associated Press, through a Freedom of Information Act request, said Ward faked his own death to end an affair with a woman.
(Full-size photo)

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — A former Navy submarine commander has been found in violation of the military’s criminal code for having an affair with a woman and faking his own death to end the relationship.

A Navy spokeswoman says Cmdr. Michael P. Ward II has received a letter of reprimand for adultery and other violations.

Documents obtained Tuesday by The Associated Press through a Freedom of Information Act request say Ward sent his mistress an email from a fictitious co-worker named Bob in July to fake his death.

Last month Ward was dismissed as commanding officer of the USS Pittsburgh. He had taken command of the Connecticut-based attack submarine a week earlier.

He has not responded to requests for comment.

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