Possible misuse of government funds and allegedly not following both Navy and university procedures have cost two ROTC leaders their jobs. led to the Navy firing both the commanding and executive officers of the University of Oklahoma Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps program.
Capt. Shawn Lobree and Cmdr. Shannon Corkill, the commanding officer and executive officer, respectively, of the University of Oklahoma's Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps, were fired relieved by Rear Adm. Stephen C. Evans, headcommander of the Naval Service Training command Sept. 28, due to the alleged misconduct.
"A command investigation found the CO and XO not in compliance with Navy program requirements," said Lt. Cmdr. Kate Meadows, spokeswoman for the Navaly Education and Training Command. "In addition, they didn’t follow proper procedures between the University and Navy Policy as well."
The investigation was triggered by an anonymous tip to the Navy's Inspector General and was completed Aug. 8. Meadows wouldn't comment further on the nature of the misconduct.
Multiple Sources say tell Navy Times the among the alleged misuse of funds related to the renovation of the was that Lobree and Corkill failed to follow proper procedures in allocating funds and going about renovation to the ROTC building and classrooms on campus. The officers are alleged to have not followed strict planning and budget procedures, Any such work stringent planning and budgeting procedures are followed, Navy officials say.
Lobree and Corkill have been temporarily re-assigned to Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Detachment, Tinker Air Force Base. Lobree is the 15th skipper fired this year.
Capt. Scott Cooledge, previously the commanding officer of the University of South Carolina NROTC program, will assume temporary duties as CO until a permanent replacements can be identified.
Staff Writer David Larter contributed to this report.
Mark D. Faram is a former reporter for Navy Times. He was a senior writer covering personnel, cultural and historical issues. A nine-year active duty Navy veteran, Faram served from 1978 to 1987 as a Navy Diver and photographer.
