The Navy’s acting number two civilian has resigned over allegations inappropriate conduct with a female subordinate on Wednesday, defense officials told USNI News.
Robert C. Martinage, the service’s deputy under secretary of navy policy, plans, oversight and integration, had also been filling in as under secretary of the navy since the departure of former under secretary Bob Work in May.
“Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus asked for the resignation following a loss of confidence in Martinage’s abilities to effectively perform his duties,” according to a Wednesday statement from the service.
Under secretary duties will be taken over by Tom Hicks, the current deputy under secretary of the navy/ deputy chief management officer, the statement said. .
Jodi Greene, senior director for policy in Martinage’s former office, has been appointed acting deputy secretary for policy, plans, oversight and integration.
Jo Ann Rooney is slated to take over the under secretary position pending confirmation by the Senate. She was confirmed in by a Senate committee on Jan. 9 ahead of a confirmation from the full Senate.
Rooney’s nomination was been stalled in October by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, (D-N.Y) over Rooney’s position on retaining chain-of-command discretion in the prosecution of sexual assaults in the military.
Defense News reported the resignation occurred quickly after Martinage was presented with evidence of the alleged misconduct.
Martinage has worked the Pentagon in several jobs as well the Center for Budget and Strategic Assessment.
Individual members of Congress were notified Wednesday morning of Martinage’s resignation ahead of the Navy’s announcement.
