Alleged drug use has cost a submarine's top enlisted leader his jobcost — and most likely will end of his career, too.
Senior Chief Sonar Technician (Submarines) (SS) Dwight Newton was removed from his post as the top enlisted on the the chief of the boat of the Norfolk-based fast attack submarine Albany was fired March 16 by Cmdr. Wade Landis, Albany's skipper, after Newton was charged with use of a controlled substance and making a false official statement.
Newton, who has been Albany’s chief of the boat since October 2013, has been reassigned to Submarine Squadron 6 while awaiting disciplinary and administrative proceedings that will most likely end his nearly 24-year career for violating under the Navy’s zero-tolerance drug policy, sources tell Navy Times. It is highly unusual for such a senior sailor who has been screened for their post to fail a drug test.
Master Chief Fire Control Technician (SS) Edward Brennan has been assigned as the Albany's new senior enlisted adviser in the wake of the firing. Newton is the fourth submarine leader fired this year.
Newton is a native of Charleston, S.C., and joined the Navy in March 1992. During his 24-year career, he’s served on the fast attack submarines Montpelier, Philadelphia, Memphis and San Juan. He could not be immediately reached for comment Thursday.
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.
