ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — A U.S. Navy Admiral was fired from his post at the U.S. Transportation Command and was reassigned after an investigation by the Naval Inspector General revealed drunken behavior including public nudity at a Ponte Vedra Beach hotel in April.
The Navy said Rear Adm. David Baucom was issued non-judicial punishment after he violated the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) while he was serving as the Director, Strategy, Capabilities, Policy and Logistics, U.S. Transportation Command.
Baucom was found guilty of conduct unbecoming an officer and gentleman, and article 134, disorderly conduct/drunkenness.
The investigation report showed that Baucom was attending a meeting for the National Defense Transportation Association at the Ponte Vedra Beach Inn & Club.
The report said surveillance video showed Baucom had four glasses of whiskey and became unable to stand on his feet and said at one point he, "fell forward to the floor and struck his head on a barstool."
The report goes on to say that a bellman saw Baucom and told security that an "intoxicated older gentleman ... had apparently urinated in his pants."
Baucom was reportedly seen walking around naked outside his room by two women leaving the gym.
In an email, Baucom said he forgot to pack pajamas writing, “"Lesson Learned: I'll pack my PJs next time.”
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In another email, Baucom wrote to others that attended the meeting saying, "I greatly appreciate the support during this trip. Let['s] keep it in JAX. Please and thank you!"
The report said Baucom expressed remorse once interviewed by the Navy about his behavior and said: "I hold myself 100 percent responsible and accountable for my actions. I am professionally and personally embarrassed by this event."
In a statement, Navy Chief of Information Rear Adm. Dawn Cutler said: “Baucom demonstrated poor judgment in his excessive use of alcohol and his resulting personal conduct was not up to the standard expected of all U. S. Navy Sailors. The Navy is committed to holding personnel, regardless of rank or position, accountable for their actions and preserving good order and discipline.”
The Navy said Baucom was assigned to U.S. Transportation Command from October 2013 to October 2015 but was reassigned to the Navy and reported to the staff of U.S. Fleet Forces on Nov. 4, 2015 and he is now under orders to the Pentagon.
WJAX
