Naval Air Station Lemoore Boards of Inquiry & Administrative Separation Lawyers
Table Contents
A Board of Inquiry for officers and an administrative separation board for enlisted personnel are formal administrative hearings used across the military, including at Naval Air Station Lemoore, to determine whether a service member should be retained or separated based on alleged misconduct, substandard performance, or loss of qualifications. Officer BOIs are typically composed of senior officers, while enlisted separation boards consist of a mix of officers and senior enlisted members, reflecting the different statutory frameworks that govern officer and enlisted administrative processes.
These boards use an evidentiary standard that is lower than that of criminal proceedings, generally requiring proof by a preponderance of the evidence. The initiating command presents evidence and witnesses to support the basis for separation, and the respondent may present rebuttal evidence, call witnesses, and challenge the government’s case. The board members weigh the evidence to determine whether the alleged basis for separation has been established under the applicable administrative standard.
Unlike a court-martial, a BOI or administrative separation board is not a criminal forum and does not impose punitive sentences. There is no requirement for proof beyond a reasonable doubt, the rules of evidence are more flexible, and the purpose is administrative rather than judicial. These boards focus on fitness for continued service rather than guilt or innocence of a criminal offense, which creates a distinct procedural environment from military justice courts.
Because the findings of these boards directly influence whether a service member will remain in the military, they often mark the decisive moment in a career trajectory. Their conclusions shape retention decisions, characterization of service, and future eligibility for military opportunities, making them a pivotal point in a service member’s professional history.
A Board of Inquiry or administrative separation is a command-led review determining whether a service member should remain in the Navy, potentially ending a career without court-martial. At Naval Air Station Lemoore, members face risks to rank, retirement, and discharge status. Gonzalez & Waddington can be reached at 1-800-921-8607.
Watch the criminal defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington break down how they defend criminal cases and service members worldwide against Federal Charges, Florida State Charges, UCMJ allegations, CID/NCIS/OSI investigations, court-martials, Article 120 cases, administrative separations, and GOMORs. If you’re under investigation or facing charges, this video explains what your rights are and how experienced criminal defense lawyers can make the difference.
At Naval Air Station Lemoore, the combination of high operational tempo and centralized command oversight increases visibility on service member performance and conduct. Units operating advanced aviation platforms often maintain detailed tracking and reporting practices, which can result in quicker identification of issues requiring administrative review.
When matters such as command investigations, written reprimands, or nonjudicial punishment occur, they may trigger mandatory or discretionary follow‑on actions under Navy personnel regulations. These processes can escalate into administrative separation proceedings or Boards of Inquiry when leadership determines that additional evaluation of a member’s suitability for continued service is required.
Leadership risk tolerance and career management considerations also influence the frequency of these actions. Commanders are responsible for maintaining mission readiness and may initiate separation pathways when they assess that doing so aligns with policy, personnel needs, and long‑term organizational requirements.
If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges or a criminal investigation by federal authorities, the military, or the State of Florida, early defense matters. Gonzalez & Waddington provide disciplined, trial-focused criminal defense for high-stakes cases involving serious allegations and complex evidence. To speak with experienced criminal defense lawyers and get confidential guidance, call 1-800-921-8607 or text 954-909-7407 to request a no-cost, confidential consultation.
The administrative separation and Board of Inquiry process at Naval Air Station Lemoore follows structured steps designed to determine whether a service member should be retained or separated based on the allegations and evidence presented.
This process involves formal notification, an opportunity to respond, presentation of evidence, and a final determination by the authorized command decision-maker.
Boards of Inquiry and separation boards at Naval Air Station Lemoore typically review a range of documentary materials, including command investigations, formal reprimands, and Non‑Judicial Punishment (NJP) records. These materials provide the board with a factual basis concerning an individual’s performance or alleged misconduct, and they are considered alongside the service member’s overall administrative file.
Witness testimony is frequently used to clarify events, describe duty performance, or provide context for the documentary evidence. Boards assess a witness’s credibility by considering factors such as consistency, firsthand knowledge, and potential bias, allowing them to determine the weight each statement should carry in relation to the written record.
Administrative records, such as evaluations, qualification history, training reports, and prior counseling, are weighed to give the board a broader understanding of the service member’s professional history. These records are examined for patterns, corroboration with investigative findings, and their relevance to the issues under review.
In administrative separation cases at Naval Air Station Lemoore, a service member’s discharge characterization plays a central role in defining the outcome and long‑term impact of the process. The three most common characterizations are Honorable, General (Under Honorable Conditions), and Other Than Honorable (OTH). An Honorable discharge reflects full compliance with Navy standards and carries the fewest negative consequences. A General discharge indicates satisfactory service with some documented issues. An OTH discharge is the most serious administrative characterization and may reflect significant misconduct or a pattern of adverse performance.
Retirement eligibility can be affected when a separation action occurs close to the completion of a career. While administrative separation does not automatically eliminate the possibility of retiring, certain characterizations and underlying findings may disrupt a service member’s ability to reach a qualifying retirement point. Because retirement is tied to completing required service obligations and maintaining acceptable conduct, the characterization may influence whether a member remains eligible to finish the necessary service.
Discharge characterization can also influence access to certain post‑service benefits. An Honorable discharge generally preserves the broadest range of benefits, while a General discharge may limit some programs. An OTH discharge can result in significant restrictions, and some benefits may require additional review by the Department of Veterans Affairs before eligibility is determined.
Long‑term consequences extend beyond benefits and may affect civilian employment opportunities, professional licensing, and how future background checks interpret the separation. Because the discharge characterization becomes a permanent part of the member’s military record, understanding the stakes and addressing the administrative separation process carefully is essential for protecting long‑term career and personal interests.
At Naval Air Station Lemoore, Boards of Inquiry and administrative separation proceedings often occur after other legal or administrative steps have been taken, particularly when command-directed investigations uncover substantiated misconduct or performance deficiencies. These investigations form the evidentiary foundation that commanders rely on when deciding whether to initiate separation actions or elevate the matter to more punitive military justice processes.
Before a case reaches a Board of Inquiry, service members may have already received lesser forms of administrative accountability, such as Letters of Reprimand or non-judicial punishment under Article 15. While these actions are not criminal, they frequently become key documents used by the command to argue that continued service is no longer appropriate, especially if negative behavior continues despite prior corrective measures.
In more serious cases, administrative separation may run parallel to or follow court-martial proceedings, depending on the nature of the offense and command discretion. Court-martial convictions can mandate separation, but even when they do not, commands at NAS Lemoore may still pursue a Board of Inquiry to determine whether the member’s retention is compatible with Navy standards. Thus, administrative processes coexist with the full spectrum of military justice actions, creating a layered system of accountability.
Our team brings extensive board-level litigation experience, allowing service members facing Boards of Inquiry or administrative separation actions to rely on counsel that understands how these proceedings unfold, what the board members expect to see, and how to navigate the procedural and evidentiary rules that shape the outcome of the record.
We focus on effective witness examination and the development of a clear, well‑supported record, ensuring that testimony, documents, and service history are presented in a coherent and persuasive manner that aligns with the regulatory framework governing Navy administrative actions.
This representation integrates seamlessly with related matters such as letters of reprimand, NJP, command investigations, and other adverse administrative processes, drawing on decades of military justice experience to provide continuity, context, and informed strategy throughout each stage of the case.
A service member at Naval Air Station Lemoore may face administrative separation even if no court-martial has occurred. This process is distinct from criminal prosecution and follows administrative rules. It focuses on suitability for continued service rather than criminal guilt.
A Board of Inquiry is a formal administrative hearing that determines whether a member should be separated. Nonjudicial punishment is a disciplinary tool that addresses minor misconduct without creating a discharge recommendation by itself. The two processes operate under different authorities and purposes.
The burden of proof at a BOI is usually a preponderance of the evidence standard. This means the board evaluates whether the alleged basis for separation is more likely than not. It is a lower standard than that used in criminal courts.
A BOI typically consists of three commissioned officers. At least one member must be senior to the respondent, and all must be impartial. They review the evidence and make findings on the case.
The board may review documents, witness statements, service records, and other relevant materials. Both the government and the respondent may submit evidence for consideration. The board evaluates the reliability and relevance of each item.
A BOI may examine whether a member has reached retirement eligibility and how the alleged conduct relates to continued service. The board’s findings can influence whether a member remains on track toward retirement. Final decisions follow administrative regulations.
The board may recommend characterizations such as Honorable, General (Under Honorable Conditions), or Other Than Honorable. The characterization depends on the member’s overall record and the substantiated basis for separation. The final determination is made by the separation authority.
A service member may have a civilian lawyer represent them at a BOI. The civilian attorney works alongside or in place of appointed military counsel. Their participation must follow the board’s procedural rules.
A: Naval Air Station Lemoore sits in California’s Central Valley, west of Lemoore and near the cities of Hanford and Fresno. The surrounding landscape is predominantly agricultural, with flat terrain that supports expansive airfield operations. Its inland position offers predictable weather patterns essential for year-round flight activity.
A: NAS Lemoore is closely tied to the civilian workforce and services of Kings and Fresno counties. Local communities support military families through schools, housing, and commerce connected to the base’s daily activity. The base’s presence significantly influences regional infrastructure and economic patterns.
A: The installation is a primary hub for the U.S. Navy’s West Coast carrier-based aviation forces. It hosts several operational and support commands dedicated to naval aviation readiness. The base’s layout and airspace are designed to sustain high-tempo tactical aviation operations.
A: The base supports training, maintenance, and deployment preparation for carrier strike group aviation units. Its mission centers on ensuring fighter squadrons remain ready for Pacific and global operations. Specialized facilities enable continuous aircraft testing, qualification, and operational integration.
A: Tenant commands include fighter squadrons and aviation support elements tied to the F/A‑18 and F‑35 communities. These units conduct routine training, pre-deployment workups, and joint-force coordination. Their presence makes the airfield one of the Navy’s busiest tactical aviation centers.
A: The installation hosts a substantial active-duty population due to its concentration of aviation units. Personnel operate across flying, logistics, maintenance, administrative, medical, and command functions. Rotational training and deployment cycles maintain a steady operational pace.
A: High-volume flight operations create a dynamic environment marked by continuous training and deployment preparation. Squadrons frequently transition between local exercises and carrier integration phases. This tempo shapes daily routines across the installation.
A: Service members at NAS Lemoore may encounter UCMJ matters involving investigations, administrative actions, non-judicial punishment, courts-martial, or separation proceedings. The aviation-focused mission and training demands often shape how such issues arise. The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers stationed at NAS Lemoore.
The burden of proof at a Board of Inquiry is typically a preponderance of the evidence, meaning more likely than not. This is a much lower standard than beyond a reasonable doubt.
The separation authority, usually a senior commander, decides whether a case is referred to a Board of Inquiry. This decision is often based on recommendations from the chain of command and legal advisors.
Administrative separation can be based on misconduct, substandard performance, moral or professional dereliction, domestic violence, drug offenses, sexual misconduct, or a pattern of adverse administrative actions.
Yes, a service member can be administratively separated without any criminal conviction or court-martial. Separation decisions are based on administrative standards rather than criminal guilt.
A Board of Inquiry is administrative in nature, while a court-martial is a criminal trial under the UCMJ. The rules of evidence and burden of proof are significantly lower at a Board of Inquiry.
