The executive officer of the Navy Band in Washington, D.C., was fired Friday for alleged "personal misconduct," according to a Navy release.
Lt. Cmdr. Bruce McDonald, a career musician, was relieved by band leader Capt. Brian Walden, who commands the 197-musician unit which is permanently assigned to the national capital region.
"Capt. Brian Walden, commanding officer/leader, U.S. Navy Band, relieved Lt. Cmdr. Bruce McDonald of his executive officer duties citing personal misconduct," the release said.
An official with knowledge of the relief said the action stemmed from inappropriate electronic communications between McDonald and the spouse of another service member, but declined to elaborate.
McDonald has been reassigned to the staff of Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling. Attempts to reach McDonald immediately after news of his firing were not returned Tuesday.
McDonald enlisted in 1989 and was commissioned in 2000. He has since served with the Naval Academy Band, the Fleet Forces Command band in Norfolk, Virginia, and the Pacific Fleet Band. He joined the U.S. Navy Band in July.
David B. Larter was the naval warfare reporter for Defense News.
