Top Naval Officer Relieved of Duty for Falsifying Records

Capt. William Cogar, 59, was reassigned to Navy Medical Center San Diego

A commanding officer aboard the Navy hospital ship USNS Mercy was relieved of duty after allegations surfaced that he falsified physical fitness records, the Navy reported Friday.

Capt. William Cogar, 59, served as commanding officer aboard the Mercy since March 2013 but was relieved of his duties by commander of the military sealift command, Rear Adm. Thomas Shannon, according to the Navy.

The move came after an investigation of Cogar’s records found “irregularities” including false official statements.

At an admiral’s mast, a non-judicial punishment procedure, Cogar was found to have negligently failed to comply with and execute the requirements of a physical readiness program.

After the mast, Cogar was reassigned to Navy Medical Center San Diego.

Capt. Jeffrey Paulson, a former commanding officer of the Mercy's hospital, was put in Cogar’s place until a permanent replacement could be found.

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