The commanding officer of Naval Station Everett has been removed from his post, pending a preliminary hearing to face a charge of sexual assault, Navy Region Northwest said Monday.
The Article 32 hearing will determine whether Capt. James Duke will face court-martial. Duke has been transferred to Navy Region Northwest headquarters during the proceedings, according to the release.
Rear Adm. Jeff Ruth, the head of Navy Region Northwest, will make the final determination on whether Duke will stand trial in the sexual assault case — an unusual charge against a current CO.
"The administrative reassignment of Capt. Duke is not an indication of guilt, however it does allow for continuous and unfettered leadership at Naval Station Everett," the release said.
The allegation of sexual assault was levied in February by a civilian, Navy Region Northwest spokesman Chris Haley said. The Snohomish County police led the investigation, along with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, but county authorities declined to prosecute Duke.
Capt. Scott Hogan, currently chief of staff at Navy Region Northwest, will take over as commanding officer of Naval Station Everett, Haley said.
Duke, a 1987 Naval Academy graduate, has served as a nuclear-trained surface warfare officer, according to his official bio. He has served on the carriers George Washington and Carl Vinson, and most recently was the reactor officer on board the Abraham Lincoln. Duke also served as the executive officer of the frigate Gary and commanded the destroyer O'Kane.
David B. Larter was the naval warfare reporter for Defense News.
