Ex-astronaut in kidnap case is out of Navy

WASHINGTON, July 29 (UPI) -- Lisa Nowak, a former astronaut once accused of trying to kidnap a romantic rival, is no longer in the Navy, the service announced.

The Navy, in announcing her retirement Thursday, said she left the service with her conduct labeled "other than honorable," CNN reported.

On Feb. 5, 2007, Nowak was arrested at the Orlando, Fla., airport and charged with trying to kidnap U.S. Air Force Capt. Colleen Shipman, who was involved with astronaut William Oefelein, as well as burglary, assault and battery.

On Nov. 10, 2009, she avoided prison by pleading guilty to felony burglary and misdemeanor battery.

The Navy said it reviewed Nowak's plea deal, her personal history and Shipman's statements and cleared Nowak's retirement.

"Capt. Nowak's conduct fell well short of that expected of senior officers in our Navy and demonstrated a complete disregard for the well-being of a fellow service member," said a statement by Juan Garcia, assistant secretary of Navy manpower and reserve affairs.