Cmdr. Christopher Rankin, who commanded a EA-6B squadron

aboard the Eisenhower, is under an internal investigation

on unspecified charges, said Cmdr. Kevin Aandahl of the

Bahrain-based U.S. 5th Fleet.

The Eisenhower is currently visiting a port in the Persian

Gulf that Aandahl declined to name.

Rankin has been temporarily reassigned within the carrier

group while the investigation is under way, Aandahl said.

The Navy gave no details on why Rankin's commander, Capt.

Scott Stearney, lost confidence in his abilities. Stearney

leads Carrier Air Wing 7, which includes Rankin's squadron.

<<It's inappropriate to discuss the details because an

investigation is ongoing. It's an internal situation,>>

Aandahl said. <<There could be a (criminal) charge. It's

possible.>>

From Wikileaks

Scott Stearney, Naval Commander found dead today 12/01/2018

He relieved Rankin of his command in 2007