Naval Air Station Lemoore Command-Directed Investigation Defense Lawyers
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A Command-Directed Investigation is an administrative inquiry, not a criminal process, yet findings can affect careers, especially at Naval Air Station Lemoore. CDI results may escalate into reprimands, separation actions, or even court‑martial. Gonzalez & Waddington provide guidance on these procedures and 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.
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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.
Naval Air Station Lemoore is located in California’s San Joaquin Valley, positioned between the small farming communities of Lemoore and Hanford. The surrounding region is defined by flat agricultural terrain, with the Sierra Nevada foothills rising to the east and the Coast Range to the west. This central location offers clear airspace and predictable weather, which are ideal for high-tempo naval aviation operations. The base sits within a predominantly rural area, and its presence is closely tied to the local economy, drawing support from nearby civilian communities while contributing to the region’s infrastructure, employment, and long-term stability.
NAS Lemoore serves as the Navy’s premier West Coast strike fighter hub, hosting operational F/A‑18 and F‑35C squadrons. The installation’s mission centers on supporting carrier air wing readiness, advanced pilot training, and deployment preparation for Pacific-based naval forces. Several major tenant commands and aviation-related support units operate on the installation, working together to maintain aircraft, train aviators, and sustain the Navy’s capacity to project power across the Indo-Pacific. The base’s dual runways and expansive flight line make it one of the largest and most strategically important naval air stations in the country.
NAS Lemoore supports a substantial active-duty population, including pilots, aircrew, maintainers, and personnel involved in logistics, medical support, and command functions. The tempo can be demanding, with squadrons rotating through pre-deployment workups, carrier qualifications, and joint training exercises. Constant aircraft operations create an environment where service members frequently prepare for overseas deployments or support carrier air wings returning from extended missions.
The installation’s operational pace means service members may encounter UCMJ issues related to training incidents, deployment stress, administrative requirements, or command expectations. Investigations, non-judicial punishment, courts-martial, and separation actions can arise for personnel stationed at or transiting through NAS Lemoore. The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers at Naval Air Station Lemoore, providing support for those facing military justice challenges connected to the base’s demanding aviation mission and high-performance environment.
https://www.cnic.navy.mil/Lemoore/
The standard of proof is administrative, typically a preponderance of the evidence, meaning more likely than not. This is much lower than the criminal standard.
Yes, while a CDI itself does not impose punishment, its findings can lead to NJP, Letters of Reprimand, court-martial charges, or administrative separation.
The investigation is conducted by an appointed Investigating Officer, usually another service member, who is tasked with gathering facts and reporting findings to the command.
A Command-Directed Investigation is ordered by a commander with appropriate authority over the service member or unit involved. The decision is often made after consultation with legal advisors.
No, a Command-Directed Investigation is administrative, not criminal, but it can lead to criminal, disciplinary, or separation action based on its findings.
