Naval Officer Removed From Ship Following Multiple Allegations of Sexual Harassment

The Associated Press obtained documents that showed a Naval officer for a Florida-based ship was removed from his post after numerous women came forward and accused him of sexual harassment.

The military has been struggling with claims of sexual misconduct within various branches including a recent salacious scandal involving the Air Force and a training officer accused of sexually assaulting recruits.

In the effort to stop harassment among its ranks, the military relieved Cmdr. Derek Armstrong of his duty after a number of women stationed on his ship accused him of sexual harassment.

In the report obtained by The Associated Press, several women on the ship said that Armstrong would “check women out” in a sexual manner. According to the report, one woman said Armstrong looked at her “like I am something to eat.”

The women also allege that Armstrong made inappropriate sexual comments and solicited them for sex. In one incident, after the ship had entered port, Armstrong said, “One of you ladies has to come out with me tonight; I have to corrupt one of you.”

The investigation into Cmdr. Armstrong’s behavior began in April after a female crewmember reported his behavior to the Naval Surface Force Atlantic in Norfolk, Virginia.

Armstrong was surprised by the allegations and denied that he harassed the women. He was removed from his post and placed on another ship.

Employers in the public and private sector have the responsibility of addressing any claims of harassment through investigating the allegations and disciplining the harasser. But if they fail to do so, the harassed has the option of retaining a sexual harassment lawyer to not only halt the abuse but also obtain compensation for the abuse victim.