Naval Base Kitsap Command-Directed Investigation Defense Lawyers
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A Command-Directed Investigation is an administrative inquiry initiated by command to address alleged misconduct or performance issues. Though not criminal, it can jeopardize careers and escalate to reprimands, separation, or court-martial. Service members at Naval Base Kitsap can consult Gonzalez & Waddington 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.
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.
Yes. Administrative separation is a non-judicial process that can occur even if no court-martial has taken place. It focuses on suitability for continued service rather than criminal guilt.
A Board of Inquiry is an administrative hearing that reviews whether a service member should be retained. NJP is a disciplinary proceeding focused on minor misconduct and does not determine separation on its own.
The government must typically meet a preponderance of the evidence standard. This means the board evaluates whether the alleged grounds for separation are more likely than not supported by the evidence.
A BOI is usually composed of three officers. They are senior to the service member and are tasked with reviewing evidence and making findings based on the record presented.
The board may review documents, testimony, service records, and exhibits offered by either side. The goal is to create a complete picture of the underlying allegations and the service member’s overall performance.
A BOI can influence whether a member is allowed to continue serving until eligible for retirement. The board’s findings may impact a member’s ability to reach the required years of service.
The board recommends a characterization such as Honorable, General, or Other Than Honorable. This recommendation is based on both the allegations and the member’s overall service history.
Yes, service members may retain civilian counsel. Civilian attorneys participate alongside detailed military counsel and follow the procedures established for the hearing.
Naval Base Kitsap is situated on the Kitsap Peninsula in western Washington, positioned between Bremerton, Silverdale, and Bangor. The region’s forested terrain and proximity to Puget Sound shape daily operations and maritime access. Its placement near civilian communities allows for close integration of military and local infrastructure.
The base’s location offers sheltered deep-water ports essential for submarine and surface fleet activity. Its proximity to Seattle and major transportation corridors strengthens logistical support. The surrounding rural-to-suburban mix provides a stable environment for both operational demands and family life.
Naval Base Kitsap hosts a significant U.S. Navy presence, including strategic submarine forces and critical support commands. The installation serves as a hub for fleet maintenance, security operations, and strategic deterrence missions. Its tenant commands reflect a focus on undersea warfare and regional maritime readiness.
The base supports nuclear-powered submarines, surface ships, and essential shore-based activities. Its role includes sustaining deployment cycles, providing technical support, and enabling Pacific Fleet operational commitments. This mission profile makes it a cornerstone of naval strategy in the Pacific Northwest.
The active duty population is substantial, reflecting the scale of submarine and maintenance operations. Personnel include sailors assigned to deployable units, security forces, and specialized technical roles. The base also supports rotational teams and command staff involved in long-range planning.
Daily activities encompass logistics, shipyard work, training cycles, and command operations tied to regional and global missions. Technical and nuclear-related duties contribute to a steady operational rhythm. The presence of both strategic and conventional assets shapes its continuous activity level.
Service members stationed at or transiting through the base may encounter UCMJ matters, including investigations, administrative actions, and courts-martial. The operational tempo and high-security environment can influence how legal issues arise. Command responsibilities and mission requirements also affect how cases progress.
The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent service members at Naval Base Kitsap. Their work involves navigating UCMJ procedures connected to the base’s unique operational setting. Representation may cover matters related to discipline, administrative processes, or formal judicial actions.
Naval Base Kitsap sits on the Kitsap Peninsula in western Washington, positioned along the deep waters of Hood Canal and Sinclair Inlet. It lies near the cities of Bremerton, Silverdale, and Poulsbo, with Seattle accessible by ferry across Puget Sound. The region’s evergreen terrain, cool marine climate, and extensive coastline create an environment well-suited for naval operations, particularly those requiring secure waterfront access and natural maritime protection. The base is closely integrated with the surrounding civilian communities, which provide housing, shipyard support, and a large military‑connected workforce anchored by both the naval shipyard and the submarine fleet.
Naval Base Kitsap supports a significant U.S. Navy presence, serving as the homeport for a major portion of the Navy’s ballistic missile and fast‑attack submarines. It also hosts strategic nuclear weapons facilities, key maintenance commands, and shipyard operations essential to sustaining the Navy’s undersea forces. The installation’s mission centers on fleet readiness, nuclear security, and logistical support, making it one of the most strategically important naval bases on the West Coast. Tenant units focus on submarine operations, security forces, ship maintenance, and technical support tied to the Pacific Fleet’s operational demands.
The base supports a large active duty population, including submariners, security personnel, engineering specialists, and sailors assigned to maintenance and logistical commands. Operational activity includes frequent movements of submarines, ongoing shipyard work, rotational deployments to the Indo‑Pacific region, and training evolutions linked to nuclear force readiness. The tempo varies by unit, but the presence of deployable submarine crews and high‑security missions creates a steady pace of operations throughout the year.
Because of its strategic mission and rigorous operational standards, Naval Base Kitsap routinely sees UCMJ matters involving investigations, administrative actions, non‑judicial punishment, and courts‑martial. High‑security environments and demanding deployment schedules can influence how legal issues arise and are processed. Service members stationed at or passing through the installation may require legal support, and the military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers at Naval Base Kitsap.
https://www.cnic.navy.mil/Kitsap/
Yes, CDI findings are frequently used to support Letters of Reprimand or Non-Judicial Punishment. These administrative actions often rely heavily on the CDI report.
CDIs are often triggered by complaints, performance concerns, policy violations, interpersonal conflicts, or incidents that require command clarification.
Yes, the scope of a CDI can be expanded if new allegations or issues arise during fact-finding. This is common in practice.
The length of a CDI varies depending on complexity, number of witnesses, and command urgency. Some are completed quickly, while others may take weeks or months.
Service members retain certain rights, including Article 31(b) protections when suspected of an offense. These rights apply even though the investigation is administrative.
