The skipper of the U.S. attack submarine Newport News has been relieved of command following his arrest Aug. 10 that resulted in domestic abuse charges involving his wife.
A police report states that Navy Cmdr. Chris Tarsa was charged with domestic assault and battery on a person they identified as a "civilian spouse," according to a Navy Times report.
Chesapeake, Virginia police issued a warrant for Tarsa's arrest after an alleged verbal and physical altercation in his car. Tarsa turned himself in and was processed and subsequently released with orders to appear in court on Monday, according to the report.
"The Navy holds those in positions of command to very high standards and holds them accountable when those standards are not met," the Navy statement read.
Tarsa, who assumed command of the Newport New barely a year ago, on Aug. 2, 2013, has been administratively reassigned to the staff of Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic.
Capt. Paul Snodgrass, commander of Submarine Squadron Six, relieved Tarsa of his job on Friday and the boat was turned over to Cmdr. Roger Meyer, deputy commander of the squadron, until a replacement is named.
Military and civilian protective orders were issued for his spouse.
A Navy spokesman told Navy Times the Navy is cooperating with civilian authorities but provided no other information.
"The Navy does not comment on ongoing investigations to protect the integrity of the investigative process and the rights of all persons involved," a spokesman told Navy Times.
The 41-year-old Tarsa is from Adams, Massachusetts. He graduated in 1995 from the U.S. Naval Academy with a Bachelor's Degree in Systems Engineering. After his commissioning he completed nuclear power training in Orlando, Florida, and Ballston Spa, New York, according to his official Navy biography.
His first ship-board assignment was to the USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul, where he served as a chemistry radiological assistant and eventually assistant engineer officer. He also served previously as the executive officer aboard the USS Tennessee.
-- Bryant Jordan can be reached at bryant.jordan@monster.com
