The commanding officer of Carrier Air Wing 17 was relieved of duty Friday following allegations of an “inappropriate relationship” with a female junior officer under his command, the Navy announced Saturday.

Capt. Jeffrey S. Winter was relieved by Rear Adm. David Steindl, commander of the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson’s strike group, due to “a loss of confidence” in Winter’s ability to command, according to the statement.

The command investigation into Winter’s conduct remains ongoing. Winter has been reassigned to Pacific Fleet Naval Air Forces headquarters pending the outcome.

Commanders relieved of duty for alleged misconduct are typically sent to a headquarters command. Officers found to have engaged in misconduct generally face a Navy board that determines whether they should be allowed to continue serving, unless they voluntarily retire.

Winter was first assigned to the USS Carl Vinson in December 2011. He assumed command of the air wing in June.

Winter is a former Top Gun instructor who graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1989. He received his first operational assignment in 1993 at Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan.

Capt. Matthew L. Leahey, the air wing’s deputy commander, has temporarily assumed command duties.

slavin.erik@stripes.com Twitter:@eslavin_stripes

Migrated