Admiral, Rebuked for Harassment, Seeks to Retire
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WASHINGTON — A Navy admiral asked permission to retire Friday after being reprimanded for sexual harassment.
Rear Adm. R.M. Mitchell Jr. was issued a nonjudicial punishment by the vice chief of naval operations, Adm. Harold W. Gehman Jr., after a hearing at the Pentagon. A Navy official who spoke on condition of anonymity said the Navy is considering Mitchell’s request to retire.
Mitchell was given a punitive letter of reprimand and has been permanently removed from his position as commander of the Naval Supply Systems Command after the hearing on a single charge of conduct unbecoming an officer.
Mitchell was accused of creating a hostile work environment, inappropriate touching and other offenses in what the Navy official described as “a classic sexual harassment case.” The victim was a female subordinate.
Rear Adm. Donald E. Hickman has temporarily assumed duties as acting commander of the supply operation, which is based at Mechanicsburg, Pa.
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