Vice Admiral Richard Naughton asked to step down as superintendent and retire from active duty after discussing the results of the inspector general's investigation with the chief of naval operations (CNO) Admiral Vern Clark.

"The CNO and the acting secretary of the navy have approved Vice Admiral Naughton's request," the navy said in a statement.

The investigation was ordered following an incident on New Year's Eve in which Naughton was stopped by a marine sentry at the academy's gate on returning from a private dinner in Annapolis, Maryland with some civilian acquaintances.

Apparently annoyed that he had not been recognized, Naughton grabbed the sentry's wrist as he attempted to check the superintendent's identification card.

Under the military code of justice it is forbidden to touch or otherwise interfere with a sentry on duty.

"The IG (inspector general) substantiated both the allegation of improper conduct with the sentry and a general failure to promote good morale," the navy said.

WAR.WIRE