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Dee Mewbourne New Commander Of USS Enterprise: Owen Honors Out

by NowPublic Staff | January 4, 2011 at 12:33 pm

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Capt. Dee Mewbourne New Commander of USS Enterprise | Former Commander of USS Dwight D. Eisenhower

Now that it is official that Captain Owen Honors has been relieved from the command of the USS Enterprise, the US Navy has named his replacement.

Capt. Dee Mewbourne will be permanently assigned as the commanding officer of the Enterprise.

Navy officials said Honors will not be kicked out of the service, though it is possible later on, pending results of a longer investigation, that he could be asked to leave the Navy.

Honors attended the Naval Academy and taught at the Navy's Top Gun flight school.

Despite his impressive pedigree that US Navy decided that Capt. Honors violated the standard of behavior expected from a naval officer.

Capt. Honor participated in lewd Navy video while second-in-command of the USS Enterprise in 2006 and 2007. The Navy Video featured Capt. Honors participating in the video which featured sexist and anti-gay language.

Admiral John Harvey said in a statement read to reporters in Norfolk, Virginia, the home port of the nuclear-powered ship.

"His profound lack of good judgment and professionalism while previously serving as executive officer of the Enterprise calls into question his character and undermines his credibility," said Harvey, according to live video footage fed to CNN television.

Owens replacement, Capt. Dee Mewbourne is from Florida. Capt. Mewbourne graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1982 and became a Naval Flight Officer a year later.

Captain Mewbourne’s first command was VAQ-139 embarked in USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72). During his tenure, the squadron was awarded the Battle “E”, Safety “S”, Golden Anchor, and Prowler Tactical Excellence awards. He then commanded USS NASHVILLE (LPD 13) during which time the ship distinguished itself by earning the Golden Anchor award and transporting 2,706 American citizens from Beirut to Cyprus during a regional crisis between Israel and Lebanon in July 2006. Captain Mewbourne most recently commanded USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69). While in command, the ship completed two combat deployments supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and received the Ramage, Admiral Flatley Memorial, CNO Environmental Quality, SECDEF Maintenance, and Golden Anchor awards.