Admiral ousted over porn allegation

The Navy has removed a Coronado-based admiral from his job on allegations he used his government computer to look at pornography.

Rear Adm. Richard L. Williams was relieved of command of Carrier Strike Group 15 on Friday, the Navy said in a released statement.

The official reason was alleged misuse of government computer equipment.

However, a source familiar with the issue said the still-ongoing investigation uncovered evidence of intentional pornography use. “It wasn’t just an ‘Oops’ and hit a wrong URL,” the source said.

No classified material was involved.

Williams was administratively reassigned to the U.S. Third Fleet staff in Point Loma.

Capt. Chris Barnes is serving as the interim commander until a permanent replacement is named.

Williams, a 1984 graduate of the Rochester Institute of Technology, took command of the North Island Naval Air Station-based strike group in July. The command is in charge of training Pacific Fleet warships for deployment.

A career ship officer, Williams commanded the frigate McInerney from 2002 to 2004, followed by leading maritime security task groups in the Arabian Gulf between 2006 through 2008.

He also participated in the Iraq and Afghanistan war efforts as director of maritime operations from 2008 through 2009. Williams also led counter-piracy and counter-terrorist operations.

Williams was in command of Navy Region Hawaii from 2013 through 2015.