Naval Support Activity Panama City Command-Directed Investigation Defense Lawyers
Table Contents
A Command-Directed Investigation is an administrative inquiry, not a criminal process, but it can still end a service member’s career. At Naval Support Activity Panama City, these investigations may escalate into reprimands, separation, or even court-martial. Gonzalez & Waddington provide defense guidance; call 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.
1. Can I be separated without a court‑martial?
Yes, administrative separation can occur without a court‑martial if the command believes a service member’s conduct or performance warrants review. This process is administrative, not criminal, and follows Navy separation regulations.
2. What is the difference between a Board of Inquiry (BOI) and nonjudicial punishment (NJP)?
A BOI is an administrative hearing that reviews whether a member should be retained, while NJP is a disciplinary process used to address minor misconduct. NJP does not automatically result in separation, but its findings may trigger a BOI.
3. What is the burden of proof at a BOI?
The burden of proof at a BOI is typically a preponderance of the evidence, meaning the board must determine whether allegations are more likely true than not. This standard is lower than that used in criminal trials.
4. Who sits on the Board of Inquiry?
A BOI is usually composed of three commissioned officers who are senior to the service member being reviewed. They are selected to evaluate the evidence and make findings based on Navy policy.
5. What evidence is considered during the BOI?
The board may review documents, reports, witness testimony, and other materials relevant to the allegations. The proceedings focus on whether the evidence supports separation under Navy regulations.
6. How can a BOI affect my retirement?
A BOI can influence whether a service member is allowed to continue service long enough to qualify for retirement. Depending on the findings, the board’s recommendation may affect retirement eligibility.
7. What determines the characterization of discharge?
The discharge characterization is based on the member’s overall service record and the board’s assessment of the underlying issues. The BOI reviews performance, conduct, and documentation to determine the appropriate level.
8. Can I have a civilian lawyer involved in the BOI process?
Service members are generally permitted to have a civilian attorney represent them during a BOI at their own expense. The civilian attorney may participate in the proceedings according to the rules governing administrative boards.
Q1: Where is Naval Support Activity Panama City located?
A1: Naval Support Activity Panama City sits on Florida’s Gulf Coast, adjacent to Panama City and the community of Panama City Beach. Its waterfront position along St. Andrew Bay provides direct access to shallow-water environments that shape local operations. The surrounding civilian areas maintain close ties to the installation through shared infrastructure and economic activity.
Q2: Why is this regional setting operationally significant?
A2: The base’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico supports missions focused on littoral and maritime research. Its coastal terrain enables year‑round testing and training conditions. These environmental features make the location uniquely suited for specialized naval capabilities.
Q3: What type of military presence is hosted at the installation?
A3: Naval Support Activity Panama City primarily supports Navy tenants concentrated on diving, mine warfare, and coastal operations. Several mission-focused commands conduct research, evaluation, and training activities. The installation functions as a hub for maritime technology development.
Q4: What is the general mission of the base?
A4: The installation’s mission centers on providing shore support, technical resources, and operational facilities for maritime and littoral systems. Its tenant commands contribute to fleet readiness through testing, development, and specialized instruction. The base also enables integration between operational units and research organizations.
Q5: How large is the service member population?
A5: The population includes active duty personnel, civilian specialists, and rotating training groups. Because of its research and testing focus, the base hosts a steady but moderate operational tempo rather than large deployable formations. Seasonal training and evaluation cycles influence activity levels.
Q6: Does the base support specialized training?
A6: Yes, several commands conduct diving, mine countermeasure, and coastal systems training. The coastal environment allows for realistic, scenario‑based instruction. These programs contribute to the broader Navy mission across multiple regions.
Q7: How does military law intersect with daily operations here?
A7: Service members at the installation may encounter UCMJ matters tied to training demands, research duties, or operational responsibilities. Investigations, administrative actions, and courts‑martial can arise from incidents on or off duty. The base’s technical environment can shape how such cases are processed.
Q8: Who represents personnel facing UCMJ challenges?
A8: The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers assigned to Naval Support Activity Panama City. Their work includes cases connected to the installation’s training, research, and operational setting. Personnel stationed or passing through the base may seek representation during UCMJ proceedings.
Naval Support Activity Panama City is located along Florida’s northwestern Gulf Coast, positioned just east of Panama City and adjacent to the white‑sand shoreline of St. Andrew Bay. The installation sits within Bay County, a region known for its warm, humid subtropical climate, low coastal terrain, and proximity to the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico. This waterfront setting is central to the base’s maritime research and testing mission, offering direct access to deep-water ranges and coastal environments that are difficult to replicate elsewhere. NSA Panama City is woven into the surrounding civilian communities of Panama City, Panama City Beach, and Lynn Haven, with service members and families frequently living, working, and attending schools throughout the area. The installation’s presence supports a regional economy built around tourism, shipbuilding, marine science, and defense contracting.
The installation hosts a strong Navy presence and supports organizations focused on coastal warfare, diving, and undersea technology. Its mission centers on research, development, testing, and evaluation in the maritime domain, along with specialized training for Navy divers and explosive ordnance disposal personnel. Tenant commands contribute to littoral operations, mine warfare, and advanced equipment development, making the base a critical link in the Navy’s efforts to maintain dominance in shallow-water and near‑shore environments. The highly technical nature of the work conducted at NSA Panama City sets it apart from more conventional fleet or aviation installations.
The active-duty population is moderate in size but highly specialized, with a mix of permanent personnel, rotational instructors, and students attending diving and EOD-related courses. Training cycles operate year‑round due to the favorable climate, and research units maintain steady testing schedules on local ranges and offshore areas. While the base does not host large deployable squadrons or brigades, its personnel frequently support or prepare for global missions tied to expeditionary warfare, mine countermeasures, and maritime security operations.
Because of the demanding training environment and specialized missions, service members at NSA Panama City may encounter UCMJ issues ranging from command investigations and administrative actions to non‑judicial punishment, courts‑martial, or separation proceedings. The unique pressures of technical testing, diving operations, and high‑risk instruction can influence how incidents are reported and resolved. The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers stationed at Naval Support Activity Panama City, providing guidance and advocacy for those facing military justice challenges.
https://www.cnic.navy.mil/PanamaCity/
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.
