Fleet Readiness Center Commander Relieved of Duty

VIRGINIA BEACH -- The commanding officer of Oceana Naval Air Station's Fleet Readiness Center Mid-Atlantic has been removed from the post after questions over his leadership.

Capt. James Cobell III was relieved of command Sept. 10 and placed on administrative duty at Naval Air Force Atlantic "pending an investigation into leadership practices," said Karen Carow, a Naval Air Systems Command spokeswoman. The center's executive officer, Capt. Michael Zarkowski, is acting commander.

Carow was unable to provide any other details, including what prompted the probe and what agency is conducting the investigation. More information will be released once the investigation is done, she said.

Fleet Readiness Center Mid-Atlantic is one of eight centers worldwide responsible for maintaining, repairing and overhauling Navy aircraft.

Cobell, a Chesapeake resident, took command of the center in 2011, according to a biography on the center's website.