Gitmo chief is relieved of duties

MIAMI (AP) -- The commanding officer of the U.S. Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, was relieved of his duties yesterday after he was accused of inappropriate management practices, a Navy spokesman said.

Capt. Leslie J. McCoy, who had commanded the facility at Guantanamo Bay since March 2003, was the subject of an investigation into inappropriate personnel and administrative practices unrelated to the base's detention camp for suspected terrorists.

"His release and reassignment are in no way related to the detainee operations taking place in Guantanamo," said C. Patrick Dooling, spokesman for Navy Southeast Region, based in Jacksonville, Fla. Mr. Dooling would not elaborate on the accusations against the officer.

Capt. McCoy was relieved of his duties yesterday by Rear Adm. Annette E. Brown, the region commander, who had "lost confidence in his ability to effectively lead," Mr. Dooling said.

Capt. McCoy will be transferred to Jacksonville, and Capt. Lawrence S. Cotton, chief of staff of Navy Region Southeast, will command the base until a permanent replacement is chosen.