Number 5 in our countdown.Commander Tim Weber was relieved as commanding officer of USS TRUXTUN for "loss of confidence," by Captain Rick Rogers, commander of Destroyer Squadron 22. Commander Weber was fired by Captain Rogers (on the 255th anniversary of Thomas Truxtun's birth) after allegations surfaced that the skipper was involved in an inappropriate relationship with one of his subordinates - a USS TRUXTUN female junior officer.
Team Truxtun no longer includes Commander Weber. He has been removed from the official U.S. Navy USS TRUXTUN website. Weber graduated from Vanderbilt University and was commissioned via their NROTC program.
Of note, Thomas Truxtun (17 Feb 1955 - 5 May 1822) wrote and published several books, including the Navy's first book of signals (in 1797) titled: Instructions, Signals, and Explanations, Ordered for the United States Fleet.
Team Truxtun no longer includes Commander Weber. He has been removed from the official U.S. Navy USS TRUXTUN website. Weber graduated from Vanderbilt University and was commissioned via their NROTC program.
Of note, Thomas Truxtun (17 Feb 1955 - 5 May 1822) wrote and published several books, including the Navy's first book of signals (in 1797) titled: Instructions, Signals, and Explanations, Ordered for the United States Fleet.
40 comments:
That looks like a wedding band in the photo. I feel for the family if this is true.
The ship name is "TRUXTUN" not "TRUXTON".
Keying in on the term "allegations"...there's a backstory here somewhere. Is the CO really guilty of what he's been accused of? Or could it be that the Commodore is simply playing it safe by erring on the side of over-reaction in fear of being accused of "allowing" allegations of inappropriate behavior within his command? This skipper's career has been destroyed because of something that may or may not be true...at what point has he had a chance to defend himself? Or is this a case of "shoot first and ask questions later", erring on the side of being politically correct rather than finding out what actually happened?
Thanks for the correction on spelling of Truxtun.
For Anonymous at February 18, 2010 10:07 AM
A few things:
1. This is/was an administrative proceeding. Rules of "evidence" are far less stringent than a criminal proceeding for instance.
2. A CO (or any leader) that would put themselves into a compromising position, knowing what is on the line, deserves to lose the confidence of their boss.
3. There are appeal procedures in place, but your assertion that the CDR's ISIC reacted to pure allegation is likely shaky at best considering the position it would put the Commodore in if he just up and fired one of his skippers on a rumor.
Basically, since the Commodore fired the CO, I would be inclined to give the Commodore the benefit of the doubt that he found it justified.
R/
Senior
Concur with senior. Non-CM firings are based on preponderance of evidence, not burden of proof, thus the CO in question obviously felt it was not a case that could be won via CM.
Either way-another blight on our leadership. V/r RH
This is truly sad. That these five Officers, who were awarded what many other Officers will never earn -- the authority of Command, would throw it all away...for nothing! Whether it be a Naval warship, a shore unit, or a fighter squadron, command is that singular goal which ties all Officers worth their salt together. That these men and women would dishonor that authority is truly disgusting. I am glad they are being weeded out. Unfortunately, the weeding out is occurring a wee bit late...
I wish I could reveal my identity or the source of my information --- but CDR Weber admitted the affair.
I hate to say it about someone who served the Navy and our country so well for so many years (or he never would have gotten this command), but what a fool. I will never understand how people with this much talent (and a wife and four children) can throw so much away for so little. Too many COs have been relieved this year for exactly this kind of thing. Time to grow up, gentlemen.
Power is the ultimate aphrodisiac.
His Commodore with out a doubt has reason to believe that he found it justified.
The fact that men and women officers would dishonor that authority is truly disappointing.
Where's the leadership?
I will never understand how people with this much leadership not to mention supportive a
wife, four children could one throw so much away.
The skipper's career has been destroyed because of his actions for a cheap thrill.
I feel for his wife and children ..
The problem is there are a lot of people throwing stones at these officers....however I wonder how many of you would also be relieved of command if placed in their position? Or how many COs are getting away with this type of behavior that are currently in command? Cheating on their wife...Drunk driving...abusing power...inappropriate use of funds...etc etc...True the weeding out should start sooner...however, we would not have any COs if we truly had a "Zero Defect" Navy.
Another one? They need to make the Navy motto " Get paid to get laid!"
Tim is a good friend. From everything I saw and knew, he was a good Officer and leader. If the allegations are true, I'm sure he realizes that he screwed up. My prayers are with his Family and him.
Having lived through two CO's being relieved, I can tell you that it is hard on the crew (something we often forget and overlook). Tim may have done great things for the ship but his failure to follow regulations adversely affected the mission readiness of TRUXTUN and that is reason to relieve a CO.
I would like to think training, stern talks, etc. may one day stop this from happening but I fear it will always be a problem because we have no way of detecting Character flaws in people.
Good luck Tim. Hang in there and call if you need to talk.
Joe
In our quaint custom of quiet relief for cause due to "loss of confidence" we are far beyond the leading edge of the private sector.
Imagine if CO's discovered fraternizing and committing adultery were required to attend sex addiction therapy, followed by ritualized groveling and public humiliation, after which they would be pronounced rehabilitated by ISIC and restored to command. I like our method better.
Captain,
stumbled on your blog by hitting the "Next Blog' button. I'm an ex-sailor myself, enlisted, GSE2 when I got out in 1982. Did my time on the USS Elliot, under Cmdr. Steven Clarey, and on USS Piedmont, shortly before she was Decommed and sold to the Turkish Navy.
Might I say of this posted situation, what has happened to our Navy!? I can't imagine that happening in the "old days", and I was on the Piedmont where we had some female officers. I simply can't imagine the CO being given the boot like this, it makes the ship shudder from the Ward Room to the shaft seals!!
Too bad for everyone involved.
To Anon, about throwing stones,
no idea if your a "squid" or not, but a ship is NOT a burger joint or a department store. It's a group of people who decide by common agreement to defend the country first and each other as a byproduct of the arrangement. There has to be trust and secrets like this prove that some people can't be trusted. It shakes the foundations of that trust.
His wife chose him, his children were born to him, some faceless person with a computer and a manning needs roster, decided you MUST serve with and trust him. When the CO breaks that trust, who else can't you trust? And why do I care now, having been a civilian for 28 odd years?
I've got a son who's a career sailor, that's why. That negates the part about liking living here, free, and wanting a strong military to keep me that way.
Captain,
“Good discipline is considered by all who know anything of service as the vital part of a ship at war.”
- Captain Thomas Truxtun
Nuff Said...
Great Site BTW.
After 19 or so years on destroyers and cruisers, CDR Weber is now officially a "Tim Canned" sailor, haha!
CO fraternizing with a junior officer in his wardroom is wrong.
Also being married is not only committing adultery and fraternizing it's a dishonor of his authority and is truly disappointing to witness from a leader.
For many reasons most important there has to be trust.
It breaks away at the foundations of that trust and morale of the crew! When the CO breaks that trust, who else can't you trust?
How about his wife and children this is truly the sad side of it .
Living on a destroyer in close quarters someone or many will see or hear so under the radar is highly unlikely .
A captain to expect his wardroom to look the other way would put them into a compromising position as well.
Failing to follow regulations adversely affected the mission readiness,and the reputation of the ship including all crew members onboard Truxtun and
that is reason to relieve a CO period.
Unfortunately the female officer's name was NOT mentioned she should have her name be known to all in the papers as well.
And It should read: CO's Beware female Ensign on the hunt wanting a Big Daddy must be willing to take pay cut!
Discipline and self control are key elements in leadership.
Command is an Honor not a playground.
This incident truly undermines the Navy ideology of men and women co-existing in a strictly professional environment aboard ships. This comes at a time when the very recent decision has been made to begin implementing women in submarines. Co-existence aboard ships does not work when the officer in charge cannot adhere to his own fraternization policy.
"In this country, you gotta make the money first. Then when you get the money, you get the power. Then when you get the power, then you get the woman." -Tony Montana (Scarface)
He had no choice but to admit his affair, someone snitched on him and the junior officer!!! Somebody was hating!!!!
You want to be a LTJG? Choke on it trick!!!
TITLE 10 > Subtitle C > PART II > CHAPTER 551 > § 5947
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§ 5947. Requirement of exemplary conduct
How Current is This?
All commanding officers and others in authority in the naval service are required to show in themselves a good example of virtue, honor, patriotism, and subordination; to be vigilant in inspecting the conduct of all persons who are placed under their command; to guard against and suppress all dissolute and immoral practices, and to correct, according to the laws and regulations of the Navy, all persons who are guilty of them; and to take all necessary and proper measures, under the laws, regulations, and customs of the naval service, to promote and safeguard the morale, the physical well-being, and the general welfare of the officers and enlisted persons under their command or charge.
http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode10/usc_sec_10_00005947----000-.html
Unfortunately, the allegations were true, and proved by a preponderance of the evidence, including the CO's admission of adultery. He devastated his family by his self-indulgent thoughtless behavior, and the female officer involved is equally as culpable. She thought nothing of his wife and children either. CDR Weber's wife is an absolutely beautiful person both inside and out. This had nothing to do with her and everything to do with her husband's weakness and self-centered actions which amount to criminal acts under the UCMJ, besides tearing his family apart and destroying his marriage. That his career is over too goes without saying.
Sadly the Lieutenant is pregnant and Weber has left his wife.
Is the last comment before this accurate?
Not entirely. Weber is divorcing his wife. No one is pregnant.
After admission of adultery and the going affair with the junior officer onboard USS Truxtun.
Wife insisted he move out of the couple's home and filed for separation. Months later CO's wife and children relocated to be with family. Wife has started divorce procedures. The Captain's actions which amount to criminal acts under the UCMJ,
CO was given walking papers. Command is an Honor.
For most recent entry, walking papers as in retirement? With or without full benefits?
Early Retirement
Wow, guess with a divorce and 4 children, he may be lucky to afford a cell phone bill w/ his pension.
The CO and the junior officer--both out of the navy--are still together and have launched successful careers in DC. A real-life love story.
Yeah, in 15 years I've never known Tim to be happier than he is right now.
Too bad his children and Wife are not as happy as he is! It is so sick to see everyone claiming this is a real-life love story. Well with every story there are two sides and how about you flip the coin and see his family. A mother working two jobs to support his family. Seems a bit harsh to boast about his happiness is all.
The ex is definitely miserable. Her mug shot says it all http://georgia.arrests.org/Arrests/Rita_Weber_8174878/
At least she's no Holly Petraeus (yet). No wonder the guy bailed. Everyone deserves a chance to be happy. Worst advice I ever got: marry her since you knocked her up. Second worst: stay for the kids. You reap what you sow.
I cannot believe how many people support this man for committing adultery and breaking the catch all Article 133. Where are your morals people??
Based on the comments and actions of senior officers in the past, it just seems their wrongful actions would be condoned if it wasn't for media involvement. If the public didn't know, top brass would protect each other.
It seems Commander Weber discovered the Fountain of Youth. A young, vivacious ensign became smitten with Weber. Middle aged Weber took this opportunity to court his paramour on board the Truxtun and relived the exuberance of youth; however, it was at the expense of his wife, children, and the country. His selfish behavior took precedence over everything that should have been important to him. My heart goes out to Mrs. Weber who he disregarded and disrespected. What a poor example Weber set for his children. The privilege of commanding a destroyer was gone in a few months and his name forever tarnished in the annals of Naval history. This was a Naval destroyer not a Carnival Cruise.
It's only a matter of time before the former Ensign diverts her interest towards someone younger with more energy and power as her commander once enjoyed.
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