Senior enlisted leader at NAFEC fired

SEELEY — A master chief petty officer at the Naval Air Facility El Centro has been relieved of his leadership position as a result of an accident involving an ATV on base.

NAFEC Public Affairs Officer Kristopher Haugh confirmed Master Chief Jeremy Embree, effective May 1, had been relieved of his position as the senior enlisted advisor to the commanding officer and reassigned to other duties.

Haugh said Embree crashed and damaged an ATV on base on March 10. The incident prompted an investigation of misconduct against Embree in which he was found guilty of reckless operation of a vehicle.

“NAF El Centro relieved Master Chief Embree of his duties and initiated his detachment for cause (DFC) for loss of confidence in his ability to lead in the role of Command Master Chief,” Haugh said.

Command master chief petty officer is the senior enlisted person at a command. His responsibility is to serve as a liaison between the commanding officer and the enlisted ranks. Although Embree was relieved of his leadership role, Haugh emphasized he was not demoted in rank.

“He is still an E9, master chief petty officer.”

As for what happens next, “right now, we are awaiting the final result on the DFC request that the commanding officer made,” Haugh said. “Once that happens, we will be advised on what the next step is. I would not like to speculate on what that step will be.”