VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The commodore of Naval Special Warfare Group Eight was fired on Wednesday, the Department of the Navy said.
According to the Military Times, the Navy said it lost confidence in Capt. Richard Zaszewski's ability to command after he was arrested for driving under the influence. He was fired by Rear Adml. Keith Davids, the commander of Naval Special Warfare Command.
The Military Times reports the charge is a misdemeanor because it was Zaszewski's first DWI. Zaszewski was reportedly arrested on Jan. 19, 2024, with a blood alcohol content between 0.15% and 0.2%. The legal limit is 0.08%.
"Navy leaders are held to high standards of personal and professional conduct, the Navy said. "They are expected to uphold the highest standards of responsibility, reliability, and leadership and the Navy holds them accountable when they fall short of those standards."
The group is headquartered at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek in Virginia Beach. It oversees intelligence, training and reconnaissance for the SEAL Teams.
Deputy Commodore Capt. Stig Sanness has taken on Zaszewski’s duties as the commodore of Group Eight.
According to a statement released by the Navy, there is no impact on Group Eight's mission readiness.