U.S. admiral fired for alleged lying

WASHINGTON, March 25 (UPI) -- Vice Adm. John "Boomer" Stufflebeem has been fired as director of the U.S. Navy staff for lying during an investigation, a Navy spokesman said.

Stufflebeem was replaced Monday by Vice Adm. John Harvey, chief of naval personnel, Navy Times reported Tuesday.

Rear Adm. Frank Thorp, the Navy's chief of information, told the newspaper Stufflebeem was relieved of his duties Friday by Adm. Gary Roughead, chief of naval operations, for providing "false and misleading information" during a Defense Department inspector general's probe into allegations he had an inappropriate relationship while serving as President George H.W. Bush's military aide in 1990. Thorp said the action was taken against Stufflebeem because of his testimony, not because of the allegations.

"As a result, the CNO lost confidence in Admiral Stufflebeem's judgment and his continuing ability to lead in the office of the CNO," Thorp said.

The investigation, which began after officials received an anonymous letter this year, is still under review. Another unsigned letter regarding Stufflebeem was received in 1999 but was not pursued because of insufficient evidence, Thorp said.

Stufflebeem is working on the staff of the chief of naval operations for the time being.