WASHINGTON – The captain of a US aircraft carrier was relieved of his command on Tuesday after producing bawdy videos that featured slurs against homosexuals, simulated masturbation and inane toilet humour.
Capt Owen Honors, who made the videos several years ago while serving as the USS Enterprise's second-in-command, was removed from the nuclear-powered carrier and reassigned to administrative duties.
Admiral John Harvey, commander of US Fleet Forces Command, said Honors performed "without incident" as captain of the Enterprisebut had shown poor judgment over the videos.
"His profound lack of good judgment and professionalism while previously serving as executive officer on Enterprisecalls into question his character and completely undermines his credibility to continue to serve effectively in command," Admiral Harvey said.
Capt Honors produced and appeared in the videos aboard ship three or four years ago as part of movie night entertainment for the 5,800 crew members and pilots. He was later promoted to command the Enterprise. It was not clear why the issue suddenly came to light years after the fact.
The navy said it was continuing to investigate, including “the actions of other senior officers who knew of the videos and the actions they took in response”. The videos – which include suggestive scenes of women showering together, sailors in drag and a mock anal exam – were an embarrassment for the navy as the Pentagon seeks to implement a new policy allowing homosexuals to serve openly in the military.
“It is very important that the most senior leadership make it absolutely clear that . . . there’s no place in the navy for those who engage in this sort of frat house behaviour,” the service members’ Legal Defense Network, which represents gay military personnel, said this week.
The navy condemned the videos as “inappropriate” and said such actions were “not acceptable in today’s navy”. “This is the sort of thing you’d expect from a 19-year-old recruit. But you’re dealing here with a 49-year-old senior officer,” one official said.
Capt Honors has made no public statement but supporters on Facebook applauded his leadership and described the videos as morale boosters. Associates including former crew members also defended him in TV interviews. – (Reuters)