Ordnance-Test CO, Senior Enlisted Leader Fired

The commanding officer of the Naval Ordnance Test Unit (NOTU) at Cape Canaveral, Fla., was relieved of his command Feb. 18. In making the decision, Vice Adm. Terry Benedict, director of Strategic Systems Programs, cited los of confidence in Heatherington’s ability to command and promoting an unprofessional command climate. Benedict also fired master Chief Petty Officer Eric Spindle, the unit’s senior enlisted leader, for the same reasons. An internal investigation revealed that Heatherington prevented members of his command from soliciting items with monetary value during an off-duty event, accepting gifts from a company that does business with the Defense Department, and associating the Navy with businesses that “are not representative of the Navy and DoD’s high standards.” Heatherington also received non-judicial punishment for his actions.