Naval Base Yokosuka Command-Directed Investigation Defense Lawyers
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A Command-Directed Investigation is a commander-ordered, administrative inquiry that, while not criminal, can still jeopardize a service member’s career and may escalate into reprimands, separation, or even court‑martial. At Naval Base Yokosuka, Gonzalez & Waddington provide guidance; call 1‑800‑921‑8607 today.
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.
Answer: Yes, a service member at Naval Base Yokosuka can undergo administrative separation without a court-martial. This process is distinct from judicial punishment and focuses on suitability for continued service.
Answer: A BOI is an administrative hearing that reviews alleged misconduct or performance issues to determine whether separation is appropriate. NJP is a disciplinary tool used by commanders to address minor offenses and does not by itself determine separation.
Answer: The burden of proof at a BOI is typically a preponderance of the evidence. This means the board must find the alleged basis for separation more likely than not to have occurred.
Answer: A BOI is generally composed of three commissioned officers who review the evidence and make findings. One officer acts as the senior member and oversees the proceedings.
Answer: The board may review documents, witness testimony, service records, and other relevant materials. Evidence is evaluated to determine whether the alleged misconduct or performance issue is supported.
Answer: A BOI may impact a service member’s ability to reach a qualifying retirement status. The board’s findings can influence whether the member remains in service long enough to retire.
Answer: The board considers the member’s overall service record, along with any substantiated issues, when recommending a characterization. Possible characterizations include Honorable, General (Under Honorable Conditions), or Other Than Honorable.
Answer: Yes, a service member may be represented by a civilian lawyer at a BOI. The civilian attorney can participate in the hearing in accordance with applicable regulations.
Naval Base Yokosuka is located on the southeastern coast of Honshu in Kanagawa Prefecture, positioned between Yokohama and the Miura Peninsula. Its harbor sits along Tokyo Bay, giving the installation direct maritime access to key regional waterways. The base is closely integrated with the surrounding city of Yokosuka, where civilian neighborhoods and commercial districts border the installation.
The mild coastal climate and deep-water port make Yokosuka a strategic location for sustaining forward‑deployed naval forces. Its proximity to major Japanese population centers supports extensive joint logistical and diplomatic activity. The terrain and infrastructure allow for continuous ship operations and maintenance.
Naval Base Yokosuka hosts U.S. Navy forces, including major operational and support commands tied to the Seventh Fleet. The installation provides berthing, repair, and command‑and‑control capabilities for forward‑deployed vessels. Its mission emphasizes readiness, regional stability, and sustained presence across the Indo‑Pacific.
The port facilities accommodate both rotational and permanently assigned surface ships. Command elements on the base coordinate multinational exercises and maritime security operations throughout the region. These activities make the installation a central hub for naval coordination in Japan.
The active‑duty community includes sailors assigned to ships, shore commands, logistics units, and specialized support activities. High operational tempo and frequent deployments shape daily life for personnel stationed there. The base also supports families, civilians, and joint-service personnel operating in the region.
Regular ship movements, maintenance cycles, and coordination with Japanese Maritime Self‑Defense Force units create a dynamic operational environment. Intelligence, medical, and administrative elements contribute to regional mission support. The tempo reflects the installation’s role in forward deployment.
Service members at Yokosuka may encounter UCMJ matters related to investigations, administrative actions, or non‑judicial punishment. The frequent deployments and multinational coordination can shape how incidents occur and are processed. Command expectations and mission demands often influence the timing and handling of cases.
Court‑martial proceedings, separation actions, and other legal processes can occur for those assigned to or passing through Yokosuka. The base’s operational structure means legal matters may intersect with deployment schedules and shipboard responsibilities. The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers at Naval Base Yokosuka.
Naval Base Yokosuka is located along the eastern shore of the Miura Peninsula in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, roughly an hour south of central Tokyo and near the cities of Yokosuka, Zushi, and Yokohama. Positioned on Tokyo Bay, the base benefits from deep-water port access and proximity to major maritime routes in the Western Pacific. The region features a temperate coastal climate with mild winters and humid summers, providing year-round operational conditions. The surrounding communities are densely populated, and the base is closely integrated with local commerce, transportation networks, and long-standing U.S.–Japan defense cooperation.
Naval Base Yokosuka serves as the U.S. Navy’s primary forward-deployed base in the Indo-Pacific and hosts the homeport of the U.S. Seventh Fleet. It supports naval operations focused on maintaining regional stability, maritime security, and rapid-response capabilities. Major tenant commands include fleet headquarters, surface combatant units, logistics elements, and joint-service support activities. The base’s mission centers on fleet readiness, ship maintenance, and coordination with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, reflecting its strategic importance in the Asia-Pacific region.
The installation supports a large and diverse active-duty population, including sailors assigned to forward-deployed ships, command staffs, and specialized support facilities. Operational tempo is high, with ships frequently underway for regional patrols, exercises, and multinational deployments. While primarily a naval hub, the base also sustains medical, logistics, intelligence, and port operations, creating a dynamic environment with continuous rotational activity and visiting units from across the Pacific theater.
The fast-paced nature of Yokosuka’s mission means service members may face a range of military justice issues, including command investigations, administrative actions, non-judicial punishment, and courts-martial. Forward-deployed operations, extended underway periods, and joint-service interactions can influence how UCMJ matters arise and are processed. Service members assigned to or transiting through Yokosuka often require legal guidance due to the unique demands of overseas service. The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers at Naval Base Yokosuka.
https://www.cnic.navy.mil/Yokosuka/
Service members retain certain rights, including Article 31(b) protections when suspected of an offense. These rights apply even though the investigation is administrative.
Yes, statements made during a CDI are often included in the investigative report and can be used in later administrative or criminal proceedings.
Yes, a CDI can escalate into a court-martial if the findings support criminal charges under the UCMJ. Commands may refer the case for prosecution after review.
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.
