No. 2 commander at Strategic Command fired over gambling allegations

WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 (UPI) -- The second-in-command at the U.S. Strategic Command has been fired after he became in a suspect in the use of fake poker chips at an Iowa casino, officials say.

Navy Vice Adm. Tim Giardina was relieved of duty by President Obama because of a "loss of confidence" in his abilities, ABC News reported Wednesday.

Giardina was suspended from his position on Sept. 3 by Gen. Robert Kehler, who recommended to Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel that Giardina be relieved of his duties.

Obama acted on the recommendation because only the president can remove three- and four-star officers from their posts.

The Naval Criminal Investigative Service is continuing its investigation of Giardina that began after Iowa state police began an investigation in June into counterfeit gambling chips that had been introduced into a casino in Council Bluffs. State police said they contacted NCIS after Giardina became the focus of their investigation.

David Dales, a special agent in charge with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, said the chips cost the casino "a significant monetary amount."

Giardina has been reassigned to a yet-to-be-determined position in the Navy.