American submarine commander faked own death to end affair
A former US submarine commander who faked his death to end an extramarital affair should be honourably discharged from the Navy, a panel of officers recommended.
Cmdr. Michael P. Ward II, centre, who was relieved of his duties aboard the USS Pittsburgh in August. Photo: AP
By AP
11:20AM BST 13 Apr 2013
Cmdr. Michael P. Ward II, a married 43-year-old, sent his mistress in Virginia an email in July posing as a fictitious co-worker named Bob and saying that Ward had died unexpectedly.
"The reason I did it was to sever the relationship," he said, "but the choice was ridiculous."
Ward was relieved of his duties aboard the USS Pittsburgh in August, a week after he'd taken command, and has received a letter of reprimand for adultery and other military violations.
Ward acknowledged that he had had an affair and sent the email to his lover in an effort to end the affair. In the hearing, the officer said he accepted "full and total accountability" for his behaviour.
He also apologised to the Navy and the sailors who served under him.
"Commander Ward's actions show a complete lack of honesty, character and integrity," said Navy Lt. Griffin Farris, acting as prosecutor.
Ward said he accepted full responsibility for his actions and would regret them all his life.
"I want to apologise directly to my wife for the hurt and harm and humiliation I have caused her," he said as she sat in the front row, her eyes red.
A fellow Navy officer who had gone through training with Ward, Anthony Moore, testified that he heard about the affair when news of it first surfaced – including the detail that Ward had used the name "Tony Moore" in an online dating profile that he used to meet the woman.
"I was very surprised," said Mr Moore, who's based on a submarine squadron in Washington state. "And frankly, I was a little concerned for my reputation."
