MCPON Smith Under Investigation for Allegations of Misconduct
By: Sam LaGrone
February 3, 2022 6:55 PM
The Navy’s senior enlisted leader is under investigation for alleged misconduct, two defense officials confirmed to USNI News on Thursday.
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Russell Smith is now the subject of a Navy Inspector General investigation for unspecified misconduct.
In a statement to USNI News, Navy spokesperson Cmdr. Reann Mommsen declined to comment on the investigation. A message left with Smith’s spokesperson by USNI News was not immediately returned.
The previous Navy senior enlisted official, MCPON Steven Giordano, retired early from the position in 2018 because of an investigation in which sailors accused him of creating a toxic leadership environment and belittling subordinates. Navy Times first reported Smith was under investigation.
One defense official with knowledge of the probe said the Smith’s alleged misconduct was much milder than Giordano’s. “Not even comparable,” the official told USNI News.
https://news.usni.org/2022/02/03/mcpon-smith-under-investigation-for-allegations-of-misconduct
