The commanding officer of the Coast Guard Cutter Midgett submitted his request for retirement following an administrative hearing, Coast Guard Pacific Area.
Capt. Elmo Alexander was given nonjudicial punishment by Vice Adm. Charles Wurster in response to an incident aboard Midgett during a port call in Mexico where Alexander berated and struck a watchstander he thought was improperly standing the watch.
Capt. Lance Bardo has assumed command of the Midgett until Alexander's scheduled relief.
Alexander is retiring after 31 years with a previously unblemished record. In addition to the Midgett, Alexander commanded Coast Guard cutters Tampa, Sturgeon Bay and Cape Jellison.
Midgett is a 378-foot high endurance cutter homeported in Seattle. It is scheduled for a change of command in the summer.