fort mchenry command investigation

8/6/2019 Fort McHenry Command Investigation

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DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVYCOMMANDER AMPHIBIOI.IS SQTIADRON TWO

LrNtT 5003tFPO AEtxtsor-sff)l

letterChr M. SCopyra, CDR, USN

t, LT, MC, USN

5800scr 00/1257 Dec 09

From: Comnander, Aqrhibious Squadron TWO

To: Conunander, Erqreditsionary Strike Group TWo

Subj: COMMAIID fII\IESTIGATION INTO AI'IJEGATfONS OF All INAPPROPRIATE

REI.ATIONSHIP BETWEBI TITE COMMAI{DING OFFICER AIID MEDICA! OFFICERONBOARD USS FORT MEHE}IRY (I,SD 43) BETWEEN ON OR AAOUT JI'LY 2OO9

A}ID DECEMBER 2OO9

Ref: ,tAGl.lAl.I, Chapter ffoPNAVTNST s370.2C

(a)(b)

EncL: (1)(21

AppointmenBstatemcnt of

(3) statement of [lDL(4',

(s)(6)(7)(8)(e)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(1s)(16)(17)(18)(1e)(20 )(zL't(22't(23 )

124',(2s')(26')(27',(28')

(2el

(30)

( 31)(32 )

(33 )

(34)(3s )

(36)

(37)

Statement of Brian , CDR, USN

statemenE of tlbl t l-\ .rr, CMDCM, USNgtatement of t lktltalj IJT, usNstatement of Jlp*ug3 , r,T, usNstatement of ltgt'lY-*t , LT, usNStatement ot -frdftirt LT, USN

Stsatement of trnWRI r.T,fc, UsN

SEatement of, 1g!P/,4^ , LTJG, usNStatement of J';*r"i:-Yg , ENg" USN

SEatement of ;lft;r.Pq a, ENS, USN

Statement qf (f,VY.ffr) , tbls, USN

Statement o. -$[*.tilt"Ll-- E, gNS, gSN

Statement of t+fqtrl{{i',i\ 8Ns, UsN

staEement of EEf&rl\. - , c'tvo2, usNStatemcnt of LILD| IIt ) I ewo2, USN

statemenr of fldtttlS Hl,tcs,usN

statement of ilN.fr,D, cscs, usNSEatement of VrZt4U.- oscs, usNstat,ement of

-WLtttl^., HTc, utat,ement of WLtttl- ., iic, usg

Statement of Ql'5111X7 y r, Mc2, usNEmail Dated 2? .ruly'2009 Subj: coso cH-1Ernail Dated L? August, 2009 Subj: FY10 SEaff 04 ListEmail Dated 5 August 2009 Subj: Re:Enall Dated 24 Augrust 2009 Subj: RE:090824Emall Daeed 28 Auguet 2009 subj: RE: Bahrain OvernighELibcrEyEnail Datcd 29 Augusts 2009 Subj: RE: I GITESS STAYING IS ltlEHARD PART

Email Dated 29 Augiust 2009 Subj: RE: Deployment Awards asof 29AUG09

Email Dated 3t Augarst 2009 Subj: RE:Email Dated 31 August 2009 subj: adviceEmail Dated 31 August 2oo9 subj: RE: o'veraight I/P BAH

Emall Dated I scptenber 2009 Subj: RE: TEANKS

Email Dated 9 September 2009 Subj: RE:

EnEil Dated 12 September 2009 Subj: we really sbouldn'tplck on the weak aad the r'tardedEmail. Dated 13 Scptenber 2009 subj: RE: world'a greaEestdad



subj: CoMMAIID rNvEsrrcATroN rlrro ATJIJEGATToNS oF AN rNAppRopRrATERELATIONSHTP BETWEEN THE COMMAITDING OFFICER AI{D MEDTEAIJ OFFTCEROIIBOARD USS FORT MCIIENRY (I,SD 43) BETI{EEN ON OR ABOIIT,JUIJY 2OO9AIID DECEMBER 2OO9

(38) Email Dared 1E September 2009 Subj: RE:(39) Email Dated 16 September 2oO9 subj: RE: t{ardroom Etiguctce(40) Email Dated 15 September 2009 Subj: long, Eorry(41) Email. Dated 20 September 2009 Subj: RE: t0ardroom Etlquerte

(42) Email Datsed 25 Septsernber 2009 Subj: RE: RE IrR CAIJr(43) EnEil DaEed 17 October 2009 Subj:(44) Email Datsed 30 Octobcr 2009 Subj: :)(45) Enail Dated 3 November 2009 Subj:(45) Email Dated 3 November 2009 Subj: RE:(47) Email Dated 5 November 2009 Sllbj: RE: GOOD WORKOIIT?(48) Email DaEed 7 November 2009 Subj: R8: FY10 OPERjATIONAIJ RISK

MANAGEMEM APPLTEATION Al{D IMrEGR.ATIONCOTJRSE / OSTETSZ UOV

09 sMN 00447 /3L009(49) Enail Dated I November 2009 Subj: RE: LUNCH?(50) Email Dated 24 Novernlcer 2009 Subj: RE: Admin Reviews During

TRANSLA}IT(51) Ernail Dated 26 November 2OO9 Subj: RE: 9 MII'E HOLE-not

Hungry

(52) EnraiL Dated 30 Novenber 2oo9 Subj: RE: ToTlilTY(53) Ernail Da.ted 2 December 2009 Strbj: RE:(54) Biography of CDR Chrietopher Stopyra

Preliminafv Statement

This Conunand Investigation waE convened in order t,o gaiD acomplete view of facts eurrounding the relationehip betsween tbeconunanding officer..(CO), CDR Christopher Stopyra and che medicalofficer tr'rol lr vwLu;ll onboard uss FpRT McnENRy. AIlreasonably availablle evide{rce and teeti.monv has .been collccted.COII{PHfBRON TwO Staff ,tudge Advocate Ad htf\, , LT, ,'AGC, USN waEconeulted during the course of this irlvdBtEgAfton.

Findings of Fact

1. All-witnEqses inEerviewed other than @R Stopyra, CDR Goldscbmidt,

?*riw?JJr:.*ili.o. relationship was inappropriate or unduly

2. MoEt witnesses interviewed have said Uhey have not seen evidence ofphysical cotrtact. lencls 4, 5 and 7-23'!

i;, Sirii"n"'"and L@.{{rD ""

perpetual libertv buddies. [EocI 5-

4. CMC had a conversation with XO around the middle of September aboutthe relationship beEween CDR Stopyra and LT XO told CMC thatthe issue had been dealt with at that time. [EncI 5l

5. CMC brought tshe relationship up again on 1 December 2009. Again,XO told the CMC that nothing was going on and thie waE a quarrclbetween department heade. [Encl 5]

5. Ihere are rumors of a You Tube Video of CDR SEopyra"ta

r,r(fu{7ilholding hands on the beach together. lEncl 5, 22J \ '- " )



subj: COMMAND IIfIIESTIGATION INTO ALLEGATTONS OF AN INAPPROPRIATEFAI.ATIONSHIP BETI{EEN THE COMMANDING OFFICER AND MEDICAIJ OFFICERONBOARD USS FORT MCHENRY (LSD 43) BETWEEN ON OR ABOUT .]I'LY 2OO9

AI{D DECEMBER 2OO9

7. peopJ-e trave seen".fblbT\

enrer ehe co,s Erareroom uaing thecombination. [Enc1 5i Y " -J

8. Some in ttre Chief's mes6 bel-ieve Medical is a favored department.

lEncl 5l

9. SaiLors gee favoritiem for ttre Medical staff due to uhe

;:l:tfiffl'B,T;i'encDR stopvra a"d' Lvlfu|) whether it existE or

l-0. Rumors of ,.arld.iokes abouE, a rom€rnEic relaEionship between CDR

stopyra anA r,@XQ])"ru

around the wardroom, Chief's MesE and amongEhe junior Sailors. [Encl 5-8, 11-13, L6, 20, 2L, 23)

11. e1l bueineEe must be completed wiEh the CO by 1900 or 2000 cveryday. [Enc1 5, 8]

L2. cMC speaks nitb the co on a daii.y basie, but the conversations have

not, been as long or in depth as they were before the CO began closinghis door at 1900. lEncl 5]

13. CMC believes theEe rumors have taken away from CDR Stopyra'ssuccess as a conrmander because it is a distracEion for the wardroom €rndcrevr. [Enc1 5]

14. Because CDR Stopyra ueed to go running and sonverge witsh otherdepartment heads when he fireE 6lriyed.*and now he no l,onger interactswith other department, heads, LTWL(fl ) , the Operatione Officer (O5rs)

believes CDR Stopyra has lessenets his- fvailability to the departmeatheadE and wardroom since the beginning of deployment. lEncl 6]

r.s. In Bahrain , LTEDIQ|I n.nt on overni-sht liberty with cDR slopyra,

but did not sign out-on ov6rnight liberty ald CDR Stopyra did not givean overnight. locat,ion. [Enc1 5, 8]

15. After not knowing the whereabouts of either.CDR Stopyra or LT., Shore Patrol eventualJ.y accounEed for everyone including fhe

CO and MO fron the BOQ reservation lisE. [Encl 6]

77. AE no point during deploynent wtren Ltuf{tpN ,nent on liberty withCDR Stopyra did she sigm ouu on liberty. tEncl-5( Lo, ].3)

18. -In Salalah, cDR Stopyra, CDR Goldschmidts and the Liaison Officer,LtcolEDtUiD ana r,@[-]a went out to dinner. :ltr;[?i/t;":) waE the '

only oYficer who was Yrot arf O-5. [Enc1 5]

Ls . cDR scopyra and

"t(9{J[/i,arrj-ve a! wardroom funcbions togetber

Euch as a rug f1op, a ov-vieiftzand a wet.ting down. fEncl 5, 7l

20. The ship was unable bo corrtact. cDR stopyra or LWXbjlr in notaSpain. When his phone was called, it went to a Spanieh rec6tding whichthe Husbanding agent said meant, the phone was off eo iE was imposEiblafor the officers to geg in touch with CDR Stopyra. lBncl 5J



Subj: COMIvIAND IN\IESTIGATION INIO ALIJEGATIONS OF .AI{ INAPPROPRXATE

RELATIONSIIIP BETWEEN THE COMMAIIDING OFFICER A]ID I{EDICAL OFFICERONBOARD USS FORT MCHEX{RY (I.,SD 43) BETWEEN ON OR ABOIJI! 'JIILY 2009AI{D DECEMBER 2OO9

2L. *@t6)\ goes into the ga).ley to prepare salads for cDR stopyraat dinne-r" [EfcI 4, 6-9, L7)

22. cDR suopyra and

"Wbf\'

go to the galley at 0s3o and prepare

each otsher eggs before 5'redkf{st hours start. lEncl 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 13]-r) \ has brought dirty dishes from the Co'E stateroom to theWry- [EncI 6J

24. .Iunior officers avoid eatinq in bhe wardroom at the game time ascDR sropyra and

"@ttp}l. tnnci e , 8l

-b{lrt\ in convergation in the5. CDR Stopyra onJ-y engages LT[.1wardroom. He does not engage any btlidr funior officers in conversation.lEnc1 6l

26. In the beginning of cruise, there \iras an impromptu movie nightr{rit,h che.department heads in the eo's Etateroom. gince that instance,

onfy !@ lfut\ has wat,ched movies wiEh CDR stopyra in his staberoom.Ttrey wat-h movies together often. lEncl 2, 3, 6,. 8, 9, !!, 16]

27. L{bDttp}\ the chief Ensineer(CHEI{9),.,.rya1aIarmed bv therelat,ion-ship &'4,ween CDR Stopyra and tTlf[ll{-LD \ cowarde the beginningof deployment,. [EncI 7l | " r

28. Tbere is a perception tna. T.rtful{rl, has the co's ear more thaaother departsment heads. [Enc1 7] - 'J

2s."{6IbJ1

does nor believe hisaf fect&. by,the relatsionship betweenhowever, it could have an effect ondepartment heads. lEncl 7]

relationship with Ehe-co hae beencDR sEopyra and r,rw(bl\

the relationship with-other "

"Utry brought up behavior with xo in 'rune or July. lEncl 8]

3X. CDR Stopyra's door is only open about 50t of the E,ime during theday. [Enc1 8]

i3;"r"#9D'hasbeen in cDR stopyra's oflice behind closed door1.

33. L{bttl^l is in cDR stopyra's office behind closed doors afterEhe "noa-usine6s hours" and as late as 2300. [Enc1 8, L71

34. cDR stopyra and ,Mtt!)]eats almost every meal together, byt,hemselvee, daily. [Enc1 8, L3'115, L7J

35. LflHfuJl.ir.*rirst LT, doee not see much mentorship from cDRStopyraY AfLdr LTtl4&l'-ibrought, it, Eo his attention that most of thelvardtoom did not haf6'n{uch amphibious warfare ocperience, he thoughECDR Stopyra would train the officers. However, CDR Stopyra mainlyreprimanded the officere for not, knowing anawers to the questions.lEnc]. el



subj: coI'{MA}rD rNvBsrreATroN rNTo .ArJrrEGATroNs oF At{ rNAppRopRrATERELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE COMMAIIDING OFFICER A}.ID MEDTCAI/ OFFICEROIIBOARD USS FORT MC}IENRY (LSD {3) BEIrWEEN ON OR ABOIIT JUI,Y 2OO9AND DECEMBER 2OO9

38. L@(fjl""s liberry buddies earry on wirh LrtrD{&)\ shesuggested ts}cy go on liberty with other peopre Eo "they -vnr6ra not raisesuepici-ons of fraternization or too crose of a reLat,ionship. [Encl gl

31. "fftfuIt pushee issues very hard. rf orher officers have anissue wfkh hdrl she goes to the CO. lEnct B, 9l

i:;"r"]@{rDand cDR stopyra work out and eat at the same t,ime.

3e. ,{bLtlDwill ger ice cream for cDR sropyra and bring ir ro hissEatero&. Thfs was noti.ced, at leasts once, in pr clothes. [Enc].9, L2)

;:; -:PJ{o$;T::":l"j'f:::: i;,:i ilu*o ro rhe xo's arbenrion

(SUPPO), went, direct.ly to CDR StopyraHe acknowledged the coqllaint but

41. offi&t) rhe supply orricerwieh the food-preparaEion issue.

took no action. lEncl 9]

42. r,rpltlf"enr an e-mail on t-E seprember r."t@aN

ind.icaringissues with.dhe food preparation aE well- aE the perceive? inapproprj.atererationship and copied tbe.so and xo. r,Tmd/lrTt sent two reapongegborhanraso,,i"_r.i,lf l;"&5f;15""313f 3;::"gg*1"r1"":il:$"":::::"ffi :'sent it to l,dtrklLt l ) tEncr sI

43 -"t6/[-0n "r""i.

rhe issue of an unduly familiar rerarionship rotshe XO in SeFtember as we1l. [Enc]. 9l

44. A short time before this investigabion, during Iunch, the wardroombecame crowded and the only open seat at the main table wa€ tlre co,g.There were open seaLs at, sid.e _tables. gDR stopyra and, tt(p iLra l\ , '

:

arrivedat rhe

same

rime. r,ftDttT\., seeing no seau ueb-ffe iiJed,"seat said someEhing to the eftEct of: ,,I g:uess f,ll come back later,"and 1eft. They boeh returned a half hour later, after the yrard,roon had I

cleared, and ate lunch together, alone. lEncl 9, L2J

4s. r,r@b1)Delieves"StUil.

acts as thoush ghe iE of equal rankto CDR StopyrS. [encl 9] )

.'; .:WA "*::ff :"":n"il*mi?) ;ffi :T"::i lB :

s,;;rnbina'l

ion

47 . An officer placed a menu at i}r.s: _chair next, to the CO, g with 'rDoc'writben at the top as a joke. rT,Idfry[afqpicked. up rhe menu, r,hraw itout and said "This does not belongEn"-t$A wardroom.,, [Encl 10!

4a. *@t[t flhas been referred ro aE *rhe caprain, E Beoo orgirlfriend. IEntl i-01

49."tmllb,f\

hag angwered a closed door in rhe co, s srareroom, wherethe two bere-at'one. [Enc] 12, 14-161



Subj: COMMA!{D IIWESTIGATION IN|O ALLEGATIONS OF A}I fNAPPROPRIATEREI,ATIONSIIIP BETWEEN TIIE COMMANDING OFFfCER AIID MEDICAT OFFICERoNBOARD USS FORT MCITENRY (LSD 43) BETWES{ ON OR ABOUr ,JUIJY 2009AAID DECEMBER 2OO9

s0. F:N{/2{t/jfr, new to the Navy, believed the CO brought his wife ondeploymeffi '#fltd tri* the f irsr time he Eaw LTIfLlr--l-\ , in the co,estsateroom. [Enc1 12J VftAJ)

51. CO and MO were seen splashing each other in tbe hotel pooJ. inOrnan. lEncl ].2, L5, 151

VBSS training thoughe CDR Stopyra and LTt2)

, Deputy Commander Anphibioue Sguadron Tl{O

of the best medical-for tshe repuEaEion of }rie

52. ilordanians onboard for

@UUwere married. lEncl

is. wt.r, capt QJ,Lbt:::,1:"q*k?];,

nd LT frt4'|Lbf. a sratt ,rudge Advocare Arphibious Squadron TWoarriveo-bh tshd {trip, the wardroom and crew k4ew i3 was becauge of therelationship between Ehe cDR Stopyra arrd, LTW{fuI [Encl 12]

s4. In Oman, CDR Sropyra and ,-fu)fu)lwere in one pool ar the hoteL,but when other officers from the ship afrived, they moved to adifferent poo1, away from the wardroom. lBncl 17]

55. The Chief's mess Eied on a vote for who would make Junior Sailorof Ehe Year between an HM2 and another sailor. The tie was broken andthe Chief'F Yeps reconmended a different Sailor. CDR Stopyra choee thcrut2. wrc{Iii|j\ wanted to f ind out why because deepite uliieving hisSailor (gMz) de6erved it, he thought he should support the Chief,sMess- [EncI 19]

s6. ,*.ffiJLUI\ berieves rtfuffii is oneofficers lie has/worked with iitrt i-s/concerneddepartment. [Enc1 ]-9I

zr^;" iizffiuk?hl;i """"dco and Mo eatins French frieE from Ehe

58. The situation between cDR stopyra aa wffifil rr""point, where FSA's do noE wang t.o work in t,he fr'raioon{ oranymore. [Enc]- 20 , 22)

59. FSA's have not. been allowed to vacuum CDR Stopyra'E room or makehis bed because

Q{fu))ralready had.. tEncl 20,

-221

60.- Both officers and FSA's avoid tshe wardroom due to CDR Stopyra and

"{btlt;- rEncl 2oI

61. Four (4) out of the eight (8) flag letters to the ship were givento the medical department, whieh is the smallest on the ehip. lEncl 20]

62. wfren rt@tki\"o*""

r,o rhe MC shopro

gera

movie, MC,e

willmake a suggestion t6 her and she will sometsimes respond: "I don't thinkthe skipper would like that." While MC,s don't know for sure if she iswatsching movies with CDR Stsopyra, lrer et,atementE seem to indicate shc, ,

does. [Encl 23]

53. cDR stopyra, cDR coldschmidr and tTEqt{Z/)"fr believe rhar rherelationship between cDR Stopyra and lr(Dlbfiis appropriare. cDR

90Etsenfor tshe

to thcco

6



Subj: COMMAIID INVESTfGATTON rNTO ALLEGATIONS OF AN INAPPROPRIATERELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE COMMANDING OFFICER AT.ID MEDICAII OFFICERONBOARD USS FORT MCHENRY (LSD 43) BETWEEN ON OR ABOUT JUI,Y 2OO9A}ID DECEMBER 2OO9

55. CDR St,opyrarelationship with

claims she doee not have any special privilege with CDR

statement. [Enct 3]

stopyra stated. the only physieat contact between him and r,tl610D\ yras

a handshake or fist bump- [Enc]. 2-41 r'*- -- r )

54. CDR Sgopyra claims Ehat atL departtt1q4-l heada are invited to movic

night, but iL i" usually just he "ita l@10) .. [EncI 2]

55. CDR Stopyra consider" LT@\(|JD a confidante. He began to dependon her as a confidante due to the E*-ecut,ive Officer'E (CDR Goldechmidt)inability to execute orderg from CDR gtopyra. [Encl 2]

2009. lEncl 2],--J .

e z. rr\plg\ \Stopyra in hei

c1+igrQ /tllat the f irsE time the issue of hieo'dlbJt U]J beins inappropriate came up was 1 December

Gs. l{p161 and cDR Goldechmidr borh berieve tirar lr@l{aT}, ana

cDR St,opyra afe liberty buddies because they are close in age Erd donot have the same interests as the other department heads. [Enc]- 3, -41

6s."t@trl)a

cLaims rhar rhe arlegarions r,har her retarionship iej-nappropriate is based on professional jealousy. [Enc1 3i

7o. ,&tte; claims that the otlrer department head.s have a poorunderst,anding-of the corsnanding officer'e training philosophy. lEncl 3l

71. CDR Goldschmidt claime he discuseed the issue of the departmentheads believing_ there is an inappropriate relationship between CDR

:!oPYti.and r,r[0fto)f" augusi-or sepLember and on 1 Decedber 2009.lEncl 4l /

72. rn an e-mail dated 2't Ju!y,2o0s LTmifuif agke about standingorder #14, a fictional order where s-[e.can do ilhatever she likea. In aseparate e-mail dated 17 August, r,T[btAD thanks the ep -for puttingSO #14 in writing- In another e-mail on 5 November, Ll<n}tLtr'j\b]-atantly states to CDR Stopyra that the t,wo of them ean*do ltlfateverthey want. [EncI 24, 25, 471

79. In an e-mail dated 6 Augrust, CDR Stopyra aEkE if the otsherdepartsment heads should be inviged to their movie night. LTsays no and that she does not want to "pander to jealous junior highschool bullshit" and they should not invite other department headg.lEncl 261

74. rn an e-mail chain on 24 Auglrst,"rfuibi)

gives a condeecending

critique to the Training Officer's scbedule. She foruardsher responsc

Eo her husband who supportss her handl-ing of it, then forwards herhusband's response to CDR Stopyra. [Enc1 27]

75. rn e-mai1s, i,r@{b\]orten insults fellow department heads toCDR stopyra ca]ling them 'tncompetent," "stoogeg,o and even callg theXO ineffective. lEncl 28, 36, 37, 48)



Subj: COMMAIID INVESTTGATION INTO ALLEGATIONS OF AN INAPPROPRIATEREI,ATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE COMMAIIDING OFFICER AIID MEDTCAL OFFICERONBOARD USS FORT MCHENRY (LSD 43) BET'IEEN ON OR ABOUT JUIJY 2OO9

A}ID DECEMBER 2OO9

76. While no witnesses ever saw any physical contact, e-nails betweenthe cO and MO refer to LT ffnlbfisivins cDR,Stopyra back rubs, himrunnins his fingers trrrous'ffh8;YfJlr ""i "rfffl.Efl

leaving cDR

Stopyra's stateroom after he has fallen asleEp-.- [Edcl 29, 30]

77. Within the e-mails which overtly discueg some inappropriatephysical contact, there are al.so unclear and apparently coded mecrsageeabout a "b1ack cami" and "plan b." whatever plan b is, it, iE meant Corelax CDR Stopyra. [EncI 30, 31]

?8. cDR stopyra and"t@i[U]]plan

in e-mails Eo disEance themgelvesfrom tbe rest of the Wardroom,-including hanging a "do no disturb" signon CDR Stopyra's stateroom door. [Enc]- 351

79. They refer to other members of the wardroom aE 'kids" and libertyas a tsime to get away from them, and. r"t@{.bTl Ai""usses lrays to nothave to sign outs on liberty or comply with litferty policies put out byCTF 51. lEncl 32, 33, 471

80. cDR stopyra coordinated with"ilWLO)

to sit alone with her atmeaLs, avoiding tbe rest of the wardroom. [Ene1 49]

81."tlPJ{IeD

purchased a porta.ble DvD player for rhe two of ehem coshare. When CDR Stopyra offered to repay her, she refused. lEncl 34]

82. CDR SEopyra gave Lr(hdu?D\use of ehe co's sedan on numerousoccasions, with LT @.lLtOf:l thanking CDR Stopyra that she did not haveto wait for a bus arid sldfd in the heat of Bahrain like the reEL of theshlp and couLd do "whatever I want, etc." lErrcl 34, 45J

83. t@Lbfeent an e-maiL on l-G september outlining both theinapprop-riatefess of CDR :it r ..a and r,T &il&f.fpreparing their own

food in the galley, _ ae well ae the pereeived irrdppropriateness of theirrelationshipi r,r@Jtbl*"" the addreEsee and cDR Slopyra and CDR

GoldschmidE were carbon-copied. lEncl 39-41]

84. LTrelLb)>n her e-mail on t 6 Seprember, uses langruage such a9 *ram in an awkwald position", "Please', and "Thank you." lElcl 39'41]

8s. r,t[bJklT\ in her response on ].5 september, tells her to "watchwhat you-puu rfi.-*riting", "I inviEe you not to insult my food choicee,they are far healthier than anything you offer, " t\J aetually haveresponsibilities to combat readiness," and "if you are fooking where toasslgn blame for walking inEo the t{ardroom pantry, you ought, to look inthe miror.' [EncI 39-41]

-BE.rn a second response to r.rWJ)^":T?i1,

"t@I6Dte11ELr

@tg1"what, r erq)ect from you". Tetrci-sg-arl

87. tt@ttO)\ claims to not know it is inappropriate to enter thewardroom pantrf. [Enc1 40]

88."tt1\{D]pledges

never to enter the pantry to prepare food asainon 16 September. lEncl 40, 41]



Sttbj: COMMAND INVESTIGATION INTO ALLEGATTONS OF ASI INAPPROPRIATEREIJATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE COMMANDING OFFICER A}TD MEDICAI' OFFTCER

oNBOARD USS FORT MCHENRy (LSD 43) BETWEEN ON OR ABOUT ,II'I,Y 2009A}ID DECEMBER 2OO9

8e."ffi{p1)makes

plan wi.th cDR stopyra to enter the pantry to nrakecoffee aY 0500-on 17 october and aske CDR Stopyra to tell "the IG (LT

@U[4)\r)to back off if she starts bitching alout it." [Enc1 a3]

so.- lrfip[tiil entire reaponse was sent to cDR stopyra for vetting.He did ndt, maKe/any changes t.o her propoeed reeponEe. lEncl 38, 40]

91. trfhljpl\claims that the allegations of an inappropriaterelations-nrd 6de "slander". [EncJ" 38-4]-j

92. On Oct,ober 30, CDR Stopyra gends an email with smil.ey emoticonswhich reads 2 --/, .n

*Good post work-out,@f,1.2\ , " said the drippitrg man with noshirt. "Time for a shower,'rhe thoughL as he made a pool of waleron the deck by his deek. "but a field trip would be fun, " hemused. "Oh well," hB smiled. [Encl 44]

93. on 25 sepeernber, r,T[biUil sends an.e-mail whieh scates in part:"Ewwv{w, f can't rememlcer-ttid -ls}t time you cal-Ied me "Doco . I don'tl-ike it." [Ensl 421

J,94. E-mails between cDR stopyra and LTl.&l[t1t] include multiple snileyfaces which are blue and pink, the pink-smi16y face having yellowquotation marks tso represent blond hair, as well as a request for LT

WttOn to come up for something other than busineEs, referencee toVagisll, tanpons in coffee, and "bubterfly kisses...dark chocolate-.:redwine".. making lemonade..." [EncI 45, 50, 51-53]

95. CDR Stopyra took eommand of[Encl 54]

the USS FORT MCHENRY in t"tay 2OO9.

OPINIONS

r. The relationship beEr^reen cDR sEopfra and {i=WU\ a was undulyfamiliar and clearly constitutes fraternizationvas a5finea by OPNAVINST

s3?0.2C. CDR Seopyra and r.r@Jfgn spent too much time Log;ther, boEhon the ship and while on liberty. /cDR Stopyra maintains that LT

ElLfpf: , "-rth. medical officer, was his confid.ante and they Epent a

-tot of time together because ber deggg:tment had a "pulse on the ehip".Yet most of his interactions with LTI-$OLlb-l were of a peraonal nature,not professional. Their habit of prefarinf meals for each other,eating breakfast together before normal meal hours, alwaye sittiugtogetsher in the wardroom, the significant amount of tsime epent togetherin the CO's cabin as well as the extensive amount of time tbey spenttogetber on liberEy a.re a few examplee of an inappropriate relationship

between a department head and her eommanding officer. Mditionally,the tone and topics of discr,lssion contained in the e-mail exchangesbebween CDR stopyra and lt!pt[t71 :e clearly unduly farniliar andlmproper coneidering ttreir -d-iffer6nce in rank and Eheir respectivepositsions in the cornmand. IFF 3,7 ,L9 t2t-23,26,32-34 , 3 8 ,39 , 44 , 49 ,57 , 65 , 80 ,8! , 92J

9



Subj: COMIYIAI{D INVESTIGATfON INTO ALLEGATIONS OF AN INAPPROPRIATEREIATIONSHTP BETWEEN THE COMMANDING OFFIEER AI\TD MEDICAI OFFICERONBOARD USS FORT MCHENRY (LSD 43) BET!{EEN ON OR ABOtIr JTTIJY 2009A}ID DECEMBER 2OO9

2 . Nearly ere5lrpllFi r\nt.erviewed believed the relationship between CDR

Stopyra and L!.tY|!vrlwas unduly familiar and inappropriate. OnIy CDR

stoiyra, r,T l:LbicLtlnd cDR Goldschmidr, the execur,ive off icer,believed that the r-elationship was aDpropriate. .funior officers

witneseed cDR ssopyra and LTtrbfL?5)'spllshing each other in the poolwhile on liberty in oman and found the behavior improper. . One youngofficer, who had reeently reported onboard, noticed LrfibJtt4fi\ in theco's cabj.n watching a movie with her hair down and belibved "s+le was theCO's wife. This perception was aLgo shared by visiting ,Jordanianofficers on an exchange visit who asked if iE vras conmon in Ehe US Na\ryfor a comrnanding officer to bring his wife on deployment. Even newlyreporE,ed Ensigns with no previous operational experience in tshe Narryquickly recognized that, the relationehip was unuEual- and outside tbebounds of proper behavior and military protocol. IFF 1,27,50-54,631

3. There is r1g-g.onc{usive proof that the relat.ionship between CDR

stopyra arrd, r'"d&LQrr was romantic. only one person interrriewed statscd*thgy aaw any form ofphysical contact between CDR Stopyra and LT

tlFtbjl r. However, that claim couLd not be corroborated ry anyone eleewho w5s present at the event. AlL tshe other crew members interviewedstated that ttrey had never qTitnqssed any physical contact between thetwo. Both cDR Slopyra and r,TW)tbJ1 srat-ea-thats the relationehip wasnot physicaL. CDR Stopyra Etated ttfat the only instances of phygicalcont,act between the two were hand shakes and fist, bumps. However,several personal e-mailg exchanged betlveen CDR Stopyra and LT mitb{nsuggests that there may have been a physicaL component to theii- "-'/relationship including back rukrs and running his fingers througb her-hair. Whether a romant,ic reLationship exisEed or not is immaterial inthis particular case. A sexual relatsionship is not required forfraternization Eo exist. Even if it is certsain EhaE CDR Stsopyra and LT

@tAn share a purely platonic relationEhip, it is clearly .naoryfamili€r, inappropriate and a classic caee of flagsnizatign. While itis possible

ehatcDR

stopyra,cDR Goldschmidt and

td@{lrj\ failed toreeognize the relaEionship as inappropriate because it LacKdd a aexualcamponentr to it Ehis shows a troubling lack of understanding of theNarry's policy on fraternization. IFF 2, 76-781

4. CDR Stopyra failed to set the etandard of appropriate conductrequired of a commanding officer, and his actions advereely imPacced -

the comnand cLimate and mission readinees of the ship. He.faiLed. tomaintain a bhoroughly profeseional relatsionship with his juniorg ats allt,imes, and his fraternization was noticed by the enEire crew. Tbefrat,ernization was so blatant that it became the topic of snide remarksand jokes among the junior members of the crew. It is astoniehing thatCDR Stopyra did not recognize his acgions were fralernizabion. Evenwith tshe added help of the issue being brought to hie attenEion by tbeXO, SUPPO and the writteD accusation of the SUPPO J.abeling the

relationship as inappropriate, he failed to take any action tsoal-leviate or properly address the problem. If he is unable tso

recognize and correct his involvement in this improper relationEhip, hecannot effectively enforce the Navy's policy on fraternization on hieship. CDR Stopyra's inability to recogrrize the consequences of hiebehavior, as well as his faiLure to acE when the crer,rs' concerns were :

broughts to his attention called into queetion his professional

10



Subj: COMIvIAI{D Ir\ryESTIGATION INTO ALLEGATIONS OF Al.l INAPPROPRIATE

REIJATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE COMMANDTNG OFI'ICER A}ID MEDICAI' OFFTCER

ONBOARD USS FORT MCHENRY (I,SD 43) BETWEEN ON OR ABOT'T .ruLY 2OO9

AI{D DECEMBER 2OO9

judgment. No one guestioned his abilities as a nnriner, and Bome

pointed ouE his superior knowledge of the ship and operatsional focusand competence. However, his clear failure in regulating his behavlorand understanding the negative effect it had on his enlire crew provcs

his inabiliby to lead and maintain good order and discipline. lrr6,L0,L3,47,48,831

5. IC is surprising and disturbing that the executive officer, CDR

Goldgcbqi-dt, does not consider the relationship between CDR Stopyra andLT[fldilJ] as fraternization. rtre cMC diecussed his concern over therefEtiott"fiip between gDR sEop)'ra €ma r,TV6lt bA in September and againin December. The l"i I.T expreEEed his co*ncEidflover Ehe relationship tothe xo in .rune/,tuly time frame. The supply officer brought the issueto the xo's atuent,ion in September. The XO was also carbon cgp.ied..in

-n e-mail exchanse_betsween tr-ru,{t,a)and r,t!-qL,D,_*lu:: Lr .lLD{n-)staces that the relationship iE inafpropriade. 6R coldEchmidt didacknowledge in hie statements that he understood how it could be

perceived as improper by the crew, but still maintained that theirrelat,ionshi-p was appropriate. As a commander in the US Narry and theexecutive officer, he should be intimately familiar with the Na\rypoJ.icy on fratsernization. Yet in his staLement he contends that thereLationship was appropriate, diemiseed the department head'E concernEand told the CMC the iseue was addressed with the CO. While he mayhave addressed the issue, CDR Goldschmidt's actions were ineffectual.From .TuIy when the relationehip wae f,irst noticed by tbe crew untiLDecember, cDR Goldscbmidt's only actions were to digcues lbe issue"withthe CO twice, and telI the CMC and department heads that the iEsuc utaa

.

addressed. fn effect, he enabled the commanding officer to conbinuc hisconduct by explaining it away. IFF 4,5,30,43,83]

6."r1@/Lt0)rshould

have recognized that her relationship with cDR

Stopyra wae ffaternization. She was at l-eagt acquainted with tlte termand Eh19 -concept. She e:qrreesed concern about perceived fraternizationrc :-ffblh})q"tri"r in thl deploymeat when both were liberty buddies.

=::iffi: .tbku,::: :lPJs::ffi":3: :i:"Jil:::i:liti i.: F ro:,o on libertsy with other people Eo as not to raise susPicione of '-

*iqat-e-rnization. edditional-Iy, in an e-mail sent tso tr[bz:it\, LT

l(plb))nenbions the perceived inappropri.ateness of the r-elatifnship. IJT-GrthD responds by referring to the claim as "s1ander". The

unquestionabty famj-liar and casual style of her e-mailE to CDR Stopyra'including tshe e-maj.ls where she discussed official business and theperformance of her peers, is clearly outside the bounds of anacceptable senior-subordinabe relationship. IFF 36, 42,75,83'92-941

7. The relationship between CDR sEopyra and ,r(UTJa\ resulted inpreferentsial treatment and a percepbion among lhe crew of favoritism.Her superior tone when addressing other departments heads in e-mails andher candid criticism of her peers and the executive officer directly tothe commanding officer indicates she felb her statsuE LtaE eLevated andprivileged. There is no guestion that she enjoyed a level of directaccess to the commanding officer that vastly exceeded that of arry other.member of the crew, to include the xo and cMc. The number of FLOCs fromsth fleet received by the medical department and the outcome of the

il



Sr:bj: COMMAIID INVESTfGATION INTO AI,L,EGATIONS OF AN INAPPROPRIATE

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE COMMANDING OFFICER AI.ID MEDICAIJ OFFICER

ONBOARD USS FoRT MCHENRY (LSD 43) BETWEEN ON OR ABOIIT JULY 2009

AND DECEMBER 2OO9

Saitor of tshe Quarter selection were viewed with suspicion by the crew.The senior enlisged mernlcer in the medical departmeng discueeed higconcern with the C'MC Ehat hie Sailors' accomplishments where diminiEbedby the perception of favorit.ism.ly the CO due to his relationship with

the medical deparEmir!.h:1dl ^"\WU\. IFF 8,s,L7,2s,28,37,4L,4s,55,56 ,6L,72,15 ,79 ,82 ,84-86, 88, 891

8. CDR Stopyra was dishonest in his staeements to inveet:i-gagors. He

claims there was never more physical conuact than a fist bump orhandshaker |et he wrote e-mails referring to back rubs and running hisfingers through her hair. He claims that all departsmen! headE werewelcome and i4v-itsed to movie nights in his statseroom, yets he wrote €rn

e-mail to Lrllhf tli\in which hi discussed- invit,inq the other officersand decided Fortfirid1ric" rhem becauee rWL&n iia nor wanr r,o

"pander to jealous junior high school bu1lshiE.-"J Finally he claimedtbe first time he had heard of the issue of an inappropriaterelationship was 1 December. However, the xO sbat,ed he broughF -iq.up t-a

cDR stsopyra in August or September and the Supply officer, lrlT|>Lbj1

said she brouoht this to tris attention directlv in SeDtember.-elso, tdaid she brougbt this to his attention lirectly in September.-__++9o,was carbon copied on an e-mail from Lthe relationghip.was inappropriate. Lne relaElonsnaD-was anapProprlaEe. LII-response to LrJfffln]" e-maiL for hie E

addressed the lksi61Jf an inappropriate

where she told L:T.if"'$i iw4x:*where she directly

reLaLionship ae "glander". IFF63-56 , 7l-73 , 76 , 831

writes herself, she j-okqs abouts a fictitiouE "standing Order #14" whichapparenE,ly mecurs WAW ffi"can do whatever ghe wantso and thanks cDR

suopyra later for puEti'nS',ahis sEanding order in writing. IFF 67, 72]

Recommendatigns

1. I belj.eve cDR Stopyra ehouLd be relieved of command and receive NiIP

for flagrant violation of the Navy's policy against fraternization aedefined in OPNAVINST 53?0.2c. His failure to adhere to the Na\ry'spolicy and his inability to ident.ify and correct Ehe problem once it .'

was brought go his at,tention brings into question his ability tomaintain good order and discipline on his ship. Additionally, hieactions have had a negative impact on the comnrand climate, damaged thecrew's morale and eroded his legitimacy aE the commanding officer.

2. L{7W[b1\ should be detached. f or cause from uSS FoRT MeHEI'IRY (LSD

a3) an-6rEi6t've N,JPJ.oq viotating the Na\ry's policy againstfraternization. LdDIifi srrouid have recognized that herrelaEionship with cD}' Stdpy'ra was inappropriate and unduly familiar.Addibionally, she failed to correct her behavior. with the cornrrandingofficer when it was brought Eo her attention Ehat tshe relationship was

inappropriat.e.

3. CDR Goldschmidt shoutd be detacbed. for cause from USS FORT MCHEIIRY

(l,SD 43) for being grossly negligent and-fail-ing to idenuify therelat,ionship between CDR Stopyra ana l!-f,7J(/T-] "" unduly familiar alrda clear example of fraternization. AddiEgoi.Allly', he did not take

t2



Subj: COMMAND INVESTIGATTON INTO AILEGATIONS Ol' Al{ INAPPROPRIATE

REI,ATTONSSIP BETWEEN TIIE COMI{A}IDING OFFICER AITD MEDICAI OFFICER

ONBOARD USS FORT MCHENRY (LSD 43) BETWEEN ON OR ABOUX JTIJY 2009AND DECEMBER 2OO9

adequate actions to addrees the relationship and iL'E repercuEElons intrhe comnand. Although the inappropriate nature of the relationship wasbroughb to hie attenEion by the Deparement Heads and the CMC, and hcdid bring their concernE to the conrmanding officers attention, he

maintaine that tshe relationship was appropriate. Furthernore, it waehie duty as the XO to forcefully warn the cO of the conseguences of hisfraternization and, if necessary, t'o report the infractione to tbe ISICor fG.

4. No other crew members on the USS FORT MCHENRY (LSD-43) should bedisciplined for this incident.

5. Thorough training on the Naqf's policy on fraternization should beconducted will- all hands on the uSs FORT MCHENRY (LSD-43).

reTvD

13



fipt IDEPAHilETT OF ?HE l{AvY

ffi,TOEN, EXPEUTX'flANIY slRilG GFOI'P TUO

FPOIE oefl{flxr

5830Ser N00/1151 Dec 09

From: Cormraadqr, -Exll.qditionary Strike Group TWO

ro: clsr WXn ) usn

subj: colll{A}lD II\TIfESuGATION l}ll1ro AI,'IJEGATIONS OF AII

rtitAppRopRrAtE REr.ATrolIs$rp BErrTEEN THE' coMl,IB,r\tDrNG oFFrcER

AT{D SIIE MEDIE}L OFFXCER OIIBOARD USS FORT UCITEI{RY (I.SD 43)

BETWTEN OI{ OR ABOIIT i'IiIJY 2OO9 A}TD DECEHBER 2OO9

Ref:

'Encl:

(a) iIAqlAN, ChaPter II(b) *"u[t/)\ E:mail clrsL/Nol of 30 Nov 0e

(1)Anonymous/Complaint

Sgbrnitted to Cormander, Naval'

Surflcc Force Atla:rtic, Ingpector General

1. Tbis leEter appointa you, per reference (a), to inquire intottre f,acts and circgmgtances surrounding al.S,egationa of a.n

lnappropriatse reLationehip between Comnandiag Officel' US!-FORT

CDR Cfrrietopber Stoplrra, USN and the Medical

,);FlC, USN beEween on or a.bout JulY

CHETRY (I,SD

Officer, LT2009 and Dec

2. Ae diecueeed' j:n reference (b) , iavesEigate the alJ'eEationscontained in enclosure (1).

3. Reportyo.ur

f ind,ingg in letterfor:n by 18 December zaog,

unlesg an extension of time ia granted. You are to include withyour report all witneEs stacements and otber docr:mented evidenceiatnereE. ff you have not previoualy done go, rcad reference (a)

in ite entircty before beginnlng your inveetigatioa.

4. you may eeek legar advice from lfi WLln , JAcc, usll,during the couree oi your invesEigalion- E9 cafi be reached at?s?-835-3048, DsN 836-3048 or qpltbn

I

QILIDRear Alirit'al, U.S. rilarry

Copy.to:Filee



6rdZ

SU SPECT'S RIGHTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTISTATEMENT See JAGMAN 0170

Ft.l I \A\il.. iA(( ilslil) si.isPli('lr

<;:tt.l $-ittrjy't4----t!1'':-'1..t ,Z-fd-"-.\( itvlIY l.'\11

sERVt(:E (BRANCIt)

:'Sn/DAI'I] OT BIRl'H

\.\\.11i t lNl'!lRVll:\l l:R t

,W[-tnl}

RIGT.ITS

I certifl and acknowlcdge by nr.v signature and initials set forth below that. before the interviewer

reclucsted a statenrent fiom rne. he warned nre that:

( I ) I am suspected ol'having committed the lbllowing otl'ense(s): il',,..|e:t A t .z e;4 thi'lr

t2) I haver the right to renrain silent: -

13 I .,\n5 slatement I do make rnay be used as evidence against me in trial by coun-manial, - - - - -

(.1 ) I have the right to consult with lawyer counscl prior to an1' questioning, This lawyer

counscl ma1' be a civilian lar,r',ver retained by me at my own expense, a military lawyer

appointetl to acl as my' counsel without cost to me. or both: and - - -

t5) I have the right to have such retained civilian lawyer andior appointed military lawyer

present duringthis intervierr,. i-----

WAIVER OF RIGHTS

I further ceniiy and acknowledge that I havc reacl the above statement of nry rights and firlly

tunderstand thenr. and that. - -

( I l I expressly desire to rvaive nry riglrt to remain silent: - - - -- -

.12) I expressly desire to make a statement:

t.3) I expre'ssly do nrx desire Io consult with either a civilian lawyer retained by me or a

nrilitarl lau.1'er appointed as rnl,counsel w'ithout cost to nle prior to any questioningi - - -

(+) I !'xpressl)' do not desire to have such larvver present rvitlr rne during this interview: and - - --

tffirrwffitur--fLll.:T-l

rE| ,+l

f-_.T.]

r-tl

: r)( .\l lON ()l: lN f ht{Vll:W



(-5)'l'his acknowledgment and waivcrof rights is made f'reely and voluntarily by, and without

anr pronrises or threats having been rnade to me or pressure or coercion ofany kind having been

uscd against nle.- - -

\l(i\A f l iRI: { ( ('USt:D'St rSPIi("'l'i DA'TE

C;dEEL-ELttuql( i\n it :Rf: ( lNT LRVlti\\'t:Rt

st(i\;\ : t ilil. rwl l'Nl-sSr

Ihc staren,enr which appears on this page (and the lbllowing 7- page(s). all of which are signed by me). is made

fieely and voluntarily by me. and without 611,,, promises or threats having been made to me or pressure or coercion of

an_r kind having been used against me.

tr',:r.- 4 f f/tl(' //E /\



Interview with tlre Commanding Officer.

1415 12t02i09

'l'hefollo'*,ing summary l,r,'as prepared fron, oral statements given during an interview on

.l December 2009. It is an accurate and complete sumrnary of the interview andis true

and complete to the best of rny krrowledge. I gave a statement in the interview and

approve this writren summary lieely and voluntarily without any promises or threats

having been made to me or pressure or coercion of any kind having been used against

nte.

I anr the (lonrmanding Oflicer of the IJSS FqgM-cFlenry (LSD-43), I was not aware ofthe reason for the Deputy Commander, CAP[ff{ fufliisit, I understand that an

anon)-mous individual has flled a complaint FitFtfreCNSL lG conceming an unduly

lamiiiar relationship between myself and the Medical Officer. \WIADI do not agree

rryith this accusation and would characterize my relationship with Ll@brysprofessional and as libeny buddies.

I have been on libertl, withl.ffijt&T\in Salalah, Oman, Bahrain and in Rota" Spain. In

lJahrairr. rrc u'ent on or,er-nigltrlibe'f to the same hotel but had separate rooms. We

w.cnr swimming and had dinner together. In Rota. we visited the NEX, went bowling,

had lunclr and went shopping together. We had dinner with CDR Goldschmidt the first

night in port.

I meet withL.fuipf], almost everl'day to discuss the medical status of the ship. I

helieve l|(h7/ffr* is a top performing Department-fiead. and the Medical Department is

m! rop aeffinhie/t on the ship. I also consider t'tll!{Q1)a confidant. We both have

claughters that attend the same school back home, aid I talk about my children's health

issu*es witnfiljlt2i)a. edditionally- I discuss profbssional issues rn'ith her. I receive

infirrnration t\&t l.lfl11pJabout hou,ml directions and policies are understood and

rcce ir cd hr rhe other Heparfmerlt l{qads. I also discuss these issues with the Executive

ofllcer, CDR Coldsctrmial vufffr)fpJlttends many meetings that the CDR(ioldschmidt does not attend. Simi)frly. Ltddf,fqand her Department has a pulse onl

the crew and unit morale based on their intdfaclfrjrlwith all departments on the ship. I

discuss the perfomrance of other Departments and Department I"{t with LT@{ Vrybccause heideparrmenl is "squared away". Also.Lffi [1-s husband is a Su.fficE,

Warrare Otficer, so I feel she understands many of thFis's'u'cy'on the ship outside the

Medical Department.

l. lt/61ful\ecarrre nr,r conflclant around the.lune/July'time tiame. When I was an

r.;*KuYluidfficer. the Medical Officer (who was maie) on the ship was also my

confidant and libertl' buddy. and we discussed issues conceming the health as well as the

/n/4>



l l@Dand t ear nreals together in rhe rvadroom. We eat breakfast together at 0530,

30 niirrutes hcl'oru'standard trreakfast meal hours. and eat lLrnch and dinner together if ourrchedulcs pcrmit. 'l'here is a movie night that is held infrequently in my cabin. The eventis open tn an1' l)cpanment l{ead that wishcs to attend but ii is not adv,ertised. LT WbIattends most of these movie nights, and several have consisted of LWIIY and I-w'atching a movie alone in my cabin.

I harc hacl no phlsical conract u'i*r f .f@&IJw'ith the exceprion of fist- bumping. orothcr l'ricrtdll and pntf'cssional gestures. 'l'hefe was never any physical contact thatsould hc considercd inappropriate. CDR Goldschmfu[ first brought to my attention theu'ardrooms's conccm about my relationship oirh L@{mJon f)ecember 1.2009.



6,e/S

S USPECT'S RI GHTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT/STATEMENT JAGMAAI OITO

D

.Jl

7' 11 \r- f!

RICiHTS

I certif-v and acknowledge by my signature and initials set fbrth

rcquested a statement fronr me. he warned nre that:

( l ) I am suspected ofhaving conrnritted the following offense(s):

RATI/RANK

/- I ,/1,)

RATlj/R^NK

C-AT

SERVTCE (BRANCH)

z{ S-A-/DA1 b. Otj BtRlt I

1" tGSf:RVICE (BRANCH)

t-rSa/

l'/ 'ft:

Ril.t.[T

below that. before the interviewer

f .,, I er ri /+e-'+'ih^

rl) l have the right to rcmain silcnt: -

(i) Anl statemenl I do nrake ma-,- be used as evidence against nte in trial by court-nurtial. - . - - -

(4) I have the right lo consult with lawyer counsel prior to any questioning. This lawyer

c()unqet nray be a civilian lawyer retained by me at my own expense. a military lawyer

appointed to act as my counsel without cost to nte. or both: and - - -

(5) I have the ri-eht to have sr.rch retained civilian law-ver and/or appointed military lauryer

prl.sentduringthis intervieu. ------

WAIVER OF RIGHTS

I lurther certily and acknowledge that I have read the above statement of my rights anti fullyunderstand thenr. and lhat. - -

( I ) I cxpressl)'desire to waive nrv right to remain silent: -

(2) I expressly desire to rnake a slatemenr;

1-i; I expressly do not desire to consult with eithcr a civilian lawyer retained by me or a

nrilita4 larvyer appointed as my' counsel without cosr to ne prior to any questioningl - - - -

1-l 1 I cxpressll do not desire to have such larv;-cr pt'c'sent u,ith me rluling this interview; and - - -

WT

wi)

@r)@D

c@rP

D



5t( ;\,\l URti.d('('rl6tit)rstist Ec l )

lt

(5).1

his ackno*'ledgment and waiver of rights is rnade freely and voluntarily by. and withoutan1 prontises or threats havins becn nrade to lre or pressure or coe[cion ofany kind having been

usecl against mc'.- - -

->\.

---1t

DATI.:

a ty(DA'IT

ti('\ \ l'1.l{l: Ilt l l \l1SS)

The statenrenl which appears on this page (and the following _.._. page(s), all of which are signed by me), is madelieell' and voluntaril-r'by me. and without any prorniscs or threats having been made to me or pressure or coercion ofan1 kind having been used againsr me.

2 < i:.)

@L

,-"',r', /-.1/' ( l.,',/.



[)eccntber 4.2Q09

lgTr#&.rir@{&DR: Lr ffw1&,^r\

RE: lnvesTfiation, adilitional statement

lrr addition to the answers I provided during interview on 2 DEC 2009,1respectfullyrequest to submit the following for consideration: ,

1 ) 't'his complaint and investigation comes I month before the LT (O-3) fitnessrepofts are due. Perhaps it is only a coincidence, but I invite the Investigating

Officer to entertain that there rnay be secondary gain to be had by the timing ofthis invcstigation.

2) I have an excellent professional record aboard this ship as a Medical Dept Head. I

started out 2009 with a successftrl ULTRA-C for my warfare area, a C-1, FullyReady Medical Readiness lnspection and a depafimental grade of 89Yo during

INSURV. I have had a ver-v successful tleploynent lo include a public healthcampaign that yielded arr lLl arrd H l N l free ship throughout deployntent, a

ph'ysical litrtess carrrpaign and I'und raiscr(thc 43 club) that raised 51.000 forN\4('RS and e{Tective participatiorr on the Command Assessment Team.

:.3) I ltavc rto spccial privilege with the CO. There is not one instance where my

professional relationship/liberty buddy status with the CO has yielded advantageto me or nly department. I believe that EVERYONE has the same, equal

opportunity to build a professional and amicable relationship with the CO, andhave had that access all along.

4) Accusations and misperceptions arise from ignorance. Ignorance, for the purpose

of this investigatiort. is the failurc o1'those concerned to f,resent their conclrns to ' t " ,.tttc lttr nrv cxlllanatiorr. I respectfully invite the Investigating Officer to ask as imany questions of nre as necessary to discern the true validity of the reasons forthis investigation.

,



inrervieu'*irh Lr@{i/D Medical Officer, USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43)

12t02/09 at 1500

The lollowing summary was prepared fi'om oral staten'rents given during an interview on2 December 2009. lt is an accurate and complete summary of the interview and is trueand complete to the best of my knowledge. I gave a statement in the interview and

approve this summary freely and voluntarily without any promises or threats having beenmade to lne or pressure or coercion of any kind having been used against me.

My relationship with CDR Stopyra (the CO) is coufteous and professional. Because ofmy duties as the ship's medical officer, I see the CO everyday to discuss medical issuesas they relate to the crew's heaith. I also discuss other professional issues with CDRStopy'a, including training issues, the integrated training team (ITT) as well as medicalissues. I discuss tltese issues with the Commanding Officer because i understand whatthe CO wants done and I know what needs to be accomplished. Some of the otlrer

l)cpartntcrrt l-leads on the ship have a poor unclerstanding of the conrmanding officer'strairring plrilosophy. During the ITT meetings, I discuss what needs to be done becausesomc of the other participants do not do what needs to be done to successfullyaccomplish the integrated training team goals. I and the Chief Engirieer a.re the drivingfbrce bchind thc success of the integrated training teams. _

,

('DR Stopira and I arc also liberty budcties. We are liberty buddies because we are tfie .

sal'llc agc, lrave childrcn rvhich are the samc age, my husband is also a SWO, and we haven'lorc conltlton inlerests than other members of the wardroom. Other members of thewardroom typically stay out later than I would like to with the exception of the CO andXO. CDR Stopyra and I went out on ovemight liberty in Bahrain but stayed in differentrooms in the same hotel. We went sltopping and had dinner together. We also went out

togcthcr ort liberty in Rota. Spain wlrere we had dinner with the husbanding agent andsevcral othcr olficiais. Tlrere are also other wardroom events that I participated in withC'DR Stopyra as well as other members of the wardroom for example a rug flop inBahrain. dinner with the Jordanian CNO, a wetting down in the beginning of deployrnentin Souda Bay and a more recent wetting down in Sicily. The Executive Officer ul.o go"gout on liberty with the Commurding Officer and me, but not every time. Over the courseof deployment I have been alone with CDR Stopyra only about 50% of the time onIiberty.

On tlrc ship u'e do cat breakfast together and occasionally sit together for lunch anddtttncr if our scheciulcs penrrit, We rvatch ntovies together in the CO's cabin, and usually!\L:arcalonebutrhedoorisalr.r,aysopen. Therehasneverbeenanyphysical contactbetween us.

I bclier.'c tl:c accusaliott o1'an inappropriate relationship is the result ofprofessional.;caloLrsy'. Our relationship is not inappropriate. The Cornmanding Officer is a hardrvorker. a good guy, a standup guy who wants to get the job done. I believe that the

@



:'Ji:Ji::,;il'i:';il,:i::11['HT::,[:l]'Ji:,fii"Jeof those concerned w'ltnt^s'r@v\



WITNESS STATEMENT

COMPHIBRON TWO

tu/r

l r,l-t. N^ME (WlTtillss)

Goldschrnidt. Brian

USS Fort McHcnry (LSD-43)

SERVTCE (BRANCII)

USNDATti oF IltRT il

l.(X'r\'l'loN 0F lN'I[RVtEW

L,SS Fort McHenry (LSD -43)

The fbllowing summary was prepared from oral statements given during an interview on 2

December 2009. lt is an accurate and complete summary of the interview and is true and

complete to the best of my knowledge, I gave a statenrent in the interview and approve thissummary freely and voluntarily without any promises or threats having been made to me orpressure or coercion of any kind having been used against me.

I first became aware of the crew's perception that an inappropriate rgJationship existed between

the Conrnrarrding Officcr, CDR Stopyra, and the Medical Officer, Lplff> round the August

or Scptcnrber of 2009. it started with a sign in-qfue yqardroom listing who waFauthorized access

into the pantry. This sign was directea ati-r@U1)*i,o had been making breakfast andpreparing salads fbr herself and CDR Stopyra. Th6 Department Heads expressed discomfortabout the arnount of access I-ffty5 had to the Commanding Officer. I discussed rhe issue

u ith the Commanding Otficelb-ut Cf R Stopyra did not feel that there was anyrhing wrong* ith his relgfo;rship with I.TtlbLlzn) Tnere was no change to CDR Stopyra's behavior

towarcis LTLlp"\IrD llowing the diicussion. I then told the Department Heads that LT63tL{liloes not have more access to the Commanding Officer than anyqng else, she simple

if,onr.r-to use the access that is available. on December 1, 2009, L@>pole wittr me andcomplained that the relationship between the Commanding Officer and L$flbJlas undulylamiliar. I brought the issue to CDR Stopyra's attention.

I think that the Department Heads exhibit varying amounts of interaction with the CommandingOfficer by their own choice. The Chief Engineer has the most access to the CommandingOfficer, the First Lieutenant is somewhere in the middle, and the Supply and Operations.otficers have the least. f'he access is avaiiable to everyone anO L@.{2\chooses to usethat,accesswhileotherDepartmentsHeadsopttouseiess, ibelievetherelucdncebysomeoftheDepartment Heads to interact with the Commanding Officer may be due to his personality.CDR Stopyra is blunt and can be very sarcastic, and this intimidares some offig;rs_who areafraicl to cleliver bacl news to the Commanding Officer. I do nor believe ttrat l@flbj\nasreceived any preferential treatment; she simply has a better understanding of what thfCommanding Officer"s expectations are because she talks with him frequently.

I hreliei'e that CDR Stopyra cnose It'SLaJ]u, his liberty bucldy because they are close inage. tltel' both have children anti shairc simik-r interests. The Commanding Officer does not



share much in common with the other Department Heads. The Commanding Officer is also a

workaholic who leaves the ship around 1900 to have dinner and most of the officers have

glfeady left on liberty by rhat time. In Rota, Spain., i had dinner with CDR Stopyra and LT

WJltTJ the first night, and CDR Stopyra anaLlff1[t\^t" dinner alone on the second night

in port.

I have never witnessed any physical contact between CDR Stopyra and tffitUn I believe

thar rhe relationship is not unduly familiar but I also think that it can be pefceiVed ds

inappropriate.

lbD ,is 6q t..ea---_JL-.-:-&_-- / stc}tarund (wIrNEss)t?t?n-,@

STG!3f, U RE ONTERVIEWEFC



Eq"/t

SERVICE (BRANCH)

USN

DA'TE OT: BIRTI'I

SERVICE (BRANCH)

USN

DA'IE

2 December 2009

T'hc fbllowing summary was prepared from oral statements given during an interview on 2

December 2009. It is an accurate and complete summary of the interview and is trre and

complete to the best of my knowledge. I gave a statement in the interview and approve thisw'riucn summary freety and voluntarily without any promises or threats having been made to me

or pressure or coercion of anl' kind having been used against me.

I serve as Command Master Chief onboard USS FORT MCHENRY, I have noticed and been

informed of an unduly familiar relationship between the Commanding Officer (CDR Stopyra)

and the Medical Officer tL{@{21 Much of what I have heard is speculation. however. I have

had ciiscussions about it r.rith thc Eiecutive Olficer (CIDR Coldschmidt) and he has had

di:cLlssions rr.itlr CI)R Stopvra before.

'llrc trst conr.crsation i hacl *'itli the XO concerning this was two and a half months ago. I

hi-ought rhc is.sue up ergain 3 vvec-ks ago. The XO explained that because they were in the same

age group and had kids. that they would tend to hang out together since they had more incommon than other of'ficers. The last time I brought this up to the XO was the other day. When I

broughr it up to the XO earlicr in rhe deployn'rent and q'as told it was dealt with. Again, the XOmentioned that they were the same age and that was why they spent so much time together. XO

rolcl nrc at that time thar lie had.lust spoken u,ith (IDR Stopyra about this issue and assured me

thcrc uas nothing going on, it was a quarrel between the department heads, .

I irar e rrot obscrred. and have not heard concerns aL:out a physical relationship, rather that CDRStopyra spends too much time with one particular DH, being the Doc. Mostly I heard rumors thatthey' spend too much tirne together. While I do not know if it is substalqr-atep, I have heard a

,,.,n'ru'i on ihe ship that there is a You 'l'ube video'with the C0 and LTttlJ((pD

I hai e nL-\'cr obsen'cd arrl' phl,sical contact,

\['hile discussed in the Chief's Mess. I believe this is more of a problem with the wardroom. Notall depar-trnent heads have the combination to his door. However, someone tu"'l-Wlblpunchthe ccrdc into his cioor and entcr on one occasion. Some in the Chiels rness believe medidal

could hc tin'ored as a clcpartment. I have sometinies heard the comment around the mess that

medical mav not be hit as hard for things as other departments.

WITNESS STATEMENT

:-IIIRVIFwIIR;

( )l{fi.\Nj/A !to\

C'OMPHIBRON 'I WO

l.( )( ,\1'lON O,: l\TtrRVlliW

t;SS I:ORT MCHENRY (LSD 43)

tlil-i.F T

DEPUTY COMMANDER

RATE/RAl.iK

CMDCM



I-his is a prohlc'nt bccause thc crew thinks that sonrething is going on between them. Because ofthut pcrccptiorr. chicils and.iunior Sailors see fur'oritism, whether it exists or not. These rumorsl:ar c definitelr hit the cleck plates. I1'this were an appropriate reiationship. then I would not haveto have a discussion about it u,ith the

XO. Arelationship

like this has no positive effects on thecortrrtrand.

I believe I generally have a good working relationship with the CDR Stopyra. I have free accessto hinr and while his door may' be closed after 1900 I do not think he would ever rurn me away if

"r*l f(kn issue. I am speculating. but it is possible that the relationship CDR Stopyra has with LT

Wl) ) couid be afTecting the amount of access I have to the CO. I speak to the aO on a daily- oarir 6ut our discussions arc not as long and in depth as they were before the door began closing

at 1900.

Operationaiiy. CDR Stopyra is the best Commanding Ot'ficer I have met. Having these rumorsItas lakr-'n aw'a1 fronr his succcss as a comnrander.

ub{bT-

Y-- , crl:rrr,

nL't' ^t

rt tnn twlrNESS)

_*,&-,.. a7

-

R. os.'J /D€eo IJRE (IN'I'ERVIEWER)

ii



WITNESS STATEMENT

RATYRANX

CAPT

Enr/G

SERVICEGRANCH)

USNDATE OF BIRTI{

SERVICE {BRANCH)

USN

DATE

2 December 2009

fhe lbllowing summary was prepared from oral statements given during an interview on 2

December 2009. lt is an accurate and complete summary of the interview and is true and

complete ro the best of my knowledge. I gave a statement in the interview and approve thiswritten summary freely and voluntarily without any promises or thream having been made to me

or pressure or coercion of an1' kind having been used against me

I scrve a.s the Operations Officer onboard USS FORT MCHENRY (LSD 43). I have noticed an

undult' tamrlief rejationship between the Commanding Officer (CDR Stopyra) and Medicaloltcer(Lr&h{UD ,, .

IN the beginning of deployment . the Commanding Officer invited all DH's to go running witb :

him. It seemed to be a vehicle to get to know the department heads better. HE also invited theI)epartment Heads out to dinner on liberry early on in deployment- He has lessened his

irrtcracriorr an,.l arailahilitl since he has gotren

"1o..,rc

LWtr@\ JI first noticed an overly familiar interaction during "beer on the pier" in Djibouti. They both sat

close to eachother and at one point it appeared that she was rubhing his head, and took offhisn'atch and wore it. I observed this nryself.

ln llahrain. the liberty buddl's),stem allowed everyone to take overnight liberty. tWbDnontL'uoS nol ol'l the libertl'matrix and slre did not sign out on overnight liberry. I was serving as

CD() at the time. 'l'!re nexlmorning, I discovered that both she and the CO were out on overnightlibertl together. L lth(t\id noi sign out. CDR Stopy'ra did not give an overnight location. Iroiccd my ob.jectioN to ihEf,O (CDR Coldschmidt) but the XO did not respond ro rhose

ob.iections. Sltore patrol cventuall-v had cveryone accounted lbr by going through the BOQ

rcscn ation [ist. I.also sau them together in thp NFX-AI no point w'hile they were on liberry

il:::::::',t @{(Qgn our si.rppo (LT[b0D]surea me that the cMC had addressed

In \liirlah. rhclc *as a tlir3lgr plaQjlcd 5i1h rhe I.iaison Officer,traol@bjl, CDR Stopy*:( I)it Coldschrnidt. an.t t-lpt{/))LTftbatryas the only O-3 invirJ to sdch an outing.

I ha',e not seen. bui I have heard the following:

USS FORT'MCFIENRY

l.(x,\1 l()\ otr lNTFRvtEw

I.-iSS FORT MCHENRY (LSD 43)

BIT.LET

DEPUTY COMMANDEROMPHIBRON TWO



An irNS liom the ship saw CDR Stopyra and I.@lD\ walking on the beach together. That

there ma_v- be pictures or video of the two splashing in the pool in Oman. I have heard the

wardroorn and the crew make disparaging comments about the relationship between the hvo:

Fclr each port,u'isit, they' appeared to become more brazen. They went on all tours together-

I)uring a DV visit,Jhey..an'i'.'ed at the event together. At a wardroom rug flop, they anived and

lefr tolether. tn Rl##S%Hl:uh.n they *.nion liberty together, the ship iould not get incontact u'ith either of them. As CDO. I tried to call his phone. but got a Spanish recording. The

husbanding agent inlilrnred mc this rneant the phone was tumed off. While on leave with my

husband in Clatania. I ohservecl them having dinner together with their driver.

There is also very f'amiliar behavior onboard the ship. tffitfAXwill go into the galley to

prspilrc salacls lbr hinr at dinncr. They eat togellrer befbrenrEh[f6st hours. 1'hey have been seen

rnaking eggs together lirr breaklast before breakfast hours. I observ'ed Wbhbringing dishes

liornhis statcr()om and pr.rttirrg tlrem in the scullery. I have

also heard thatshe

hd the ,., :conrhirration to his stateroom though l have nol seen this for myself.

On'l'hanksgiving

l)ay. they came dou'n at the same time.

a'

Peopl,-'eat at cr"rtain tinres to avoicl eating at the same time with them in the wardroom. 'fhe

Department Heads u$ed to stay and try to talk to CDR Stopyra in the wardroom but he would .

onlv speak wi$ LWI\DI ie cloes no, .ngug" any other.iunior Officers in conversation.

.\t rh.' bcginning olcruisc- r.r'c had an impromptu nrovie night irr his srateroom. tiver since then.

onlr L [fl$fi as becn scL'n watching movies in his stateroom and no one else has been

inr itcrl. '/

nk /)/' rc{(/\6u vt

qstcNATt.tRE rturEdvtFweRt



€r./f

SERVICE (BRANCH)

USNDA1E ()F BIRTH

SFR VICE (BRANCIIi

IJSN

DATE

2 December 2009

-l'hefbllowing summary was prepared from oral statements given during an interview on 2

l)ecember 2009. It is an accurate and complete summary of the interview and is true and

complete to the best of my kno'wledge. I gave a statement in the interview and approve thisr,rritten summary freely and voluntarily without any promises or threats having been made to meor prc'ssure or coercion of any, kind having been used against me

I sen'e as Chief Engineer onboard USS FORT MCHENRY. I believe there is an unduly familiar

iielting dou'n thc rvardroom had recentl."-. Other than that. I havc heard many- coulments aroundthc ship. .loking quips about their relationship or orher scutrlebutt.

I harc not cril.sen'cd anr ph1'sical contact.

I believe I have good access to the CO. Due to ny position in engineering and as the seniorr,ratch of'ficer. I often have to meet with CDR Stopyra. I think CDR Stopyra takes bad news welland I am not afraid to bring him bad new's. I do not helieve this rElationship has effected my..tclirtirtttsltip u itlr thc C'O. houcvcr. I belicvc it could have an efl'ect on the relationship w'ith.otherl)cpartnrcnt hcads.

WITNESS STATEMENT

1'WO

Ht-l-ET

DEPUTY COMMANDER

I ()(,\1 iO\.. O[. lNl'[;R\ril'iu;

I.ISS FORTMCHENRY (LSD 43)

RAl'TJ/'RANK

CAPT

6ui ---arqr/ f U,sTL)lrl: (tNTERVIF:WER)



WITNESS STATEMENT

RA'TE/RANK

CAPT

:##00tiSS F'ORT lvICl{ENRY

\A\-lt: I l\l HlVlIWt:R,

COMPHIBRON TWO

I (X',\1:O\ OI: lNlhRVlt:W

i.iss FoRT MCHENRY (LSD 43)

I onpurv coMMANDER

SERVICE (BRANCH)

USN. SC

DAI'E OF BIRTII

sERvrcE (BRANCI{)

USN

DATE

2 December20O9

Ea"/

BII.I.ET

'fhe lbllowing summary was prepared from oral statements given during an interview on 2

December 2009. It is an accurate and complete summary of the interview and is true andcomplete to the best of my knowledge. I gave a statement in the interview and approve thiswritten summary freely and voluntarily without any promises or threats having been made to meor pressure or coercion of an1.'kind having been used against me

I serve as First Liuetenant onboard USS FORT MCHENRY. One of the most prevalent issues

ortirt'i.rrcl the ship is the completely unduly [nliliar relationship berween the commanding officerr('l)R sjgp..:f.tt1rnd thc medical ol}.iccr (i 1tp{p)) CDR Stopyra definitely behaves differentlyrvith t.1l[2ttl]Jhg he does w'ith other offiEers dnboard the ship. This bond has gotten to thepoini rrlrcrc it iieff-ecting the chain of'conrmand

Sornc of the behaviors between the two of them is that she will go into the galley and prep4r.q, , _

l:inr salads ancl other fuocl dircctly fnlnr the galley.

I fi:'st noticed some olthe odd hehavior in June or July and brought it up with the XO.

I hitvc heard cnlisted sailors ntaking.iokes about the relationship.

('l)R Stopl'ra vrill onll hear husiness until 2000, so junior officers willnot go to make reports toCDR Stopyra unless they have to. l)uring the da;,. his door is open only about half the time.. .l

.

har c gone ro brief CDR Stopl ra and he anO I-[At1[\ are in his office behind closed-doorsaLrcsli !()(lo ol'the tinre. I harc also seen LT@t(A-1:-aving CDR Stopyra's stateroom after the"cl.tsccldoor" hours. ulren business should be complete (around 2000). and it is not unusual tot.@p61\.corning lionr C DR Stopyra's stateroom at unusual hours. tit<e ZiOO. My stateroom is

difuct-lv'acfoss lrom his. so I can see this if my door is open.

I har,c n()t seen an.v- phl.sical contact betw'een the two.

'l'hcr cal nrcals hr llrcrnsehes. In Bahrain. CDR Stopi'ra did not tell the CDO where he was. butit rras cliscoi.crcd thev stay'ed at the same hotel.

fhc onll' wardroom lirnctions we have had out were two dinners while on deployment. There

+



\rirs an in-rprornplu rnol ic night in CDI{ Stopyra's stateroom. but the first two people in the room

scre l.TfQJ(fn]rnci C'DR Stop.v-ra. I have not w'itnesseci them watching movies together.

There has not been rnuch of a change in the relationship since the beginning of deployment.

( I)tt Stopyra does not otl'er much mentorship. None of the Department Heads could attendamphibious warefhre school due to our schedule. I went to CDR Stopyra and told him we needed

help knowins what his expectations are. and how to accomplish them. I thought he was going to

hclp train the u'ardrclonr. hut irrstead he reprimarrded.lO's for not knowing answers to amphib

qucrtiorts he rrould ask.

(ll)R Stopyra is not focused on social issues. or trying to build a close wardroom because there is

too much to do operationally to get the ship on track. FIe has very little inteqgtion with the

rvardroonr. llanrl.lo's avoid rhe wardroom it.self whcn CDR Stopyra and LT&I(lz$?re there.

I do t'eel that I can express an opinion to CDR Stopyra on operational issues.

Iiarli on in deplolnru-nr. I was liberty buddies rvith LT@ttzNtre made a comnrent to me rhat

bcing libcrtl buddies to marl\ times could lead to the perception of Fraternization, While we are

the same rznk. I understood that a male and fernale only going on liberty with each other could

send the wrong message and create a false impression. The last time I was her liberty buddy was

Split Croatia.

I T tr9lyDas more power than a medical officer normaily has in terms of operations. LTgptV.\rls to pusb issues stronger than perhaps she shoul<l as a doctor. She will take issues

tiir.rctl) io the (10. Iror instance, she objected to using and HMs for underway replenishment

working parties. I insisted that this was a ship-wide evolution and we needed all hands on'thervorking partl'. She took the issue directly to CDR Stopyra, and while he agreed with me, it

disturbed me that she had that access.

CI)R Sropyra ancl f 'f (OrtrpDll'orkout ancl eat at the same tinre.

I have scen CDR Stopy'ra chastise JO's for having a hot plate made in the wardroom saying the

FSA'.s were over tasked. and chastised other officers for eating in the wardroom after hours when

thel' were relieved late from watch. However. CDR Stopyra and tfu ll|\will make

themselves breakfast betbre regular meal hours.

I harc also secn t Tf€{bl)cornc into the u,ardnrorn in Pl'clothes. get two cups of ice cream and

ciin'\ ihcn.l up to thc ('()'s lstatcroonr.

l'his has been brought up to the XO and the CMC. however. the XO told me that there is not ani ssuc.

(" tb{bl



WITNESS STATEMENT

6r-/ f

SERVTCE (BRANCH)

USN, SC

DA'I'E OII BIRTH

SERVICE (ERANCH)

USN

DATE

2 December 2009

The following summary was prepared from oral statements given during an interview on 2

Decenrber 2009. It is an accurate and complete summary of the interview and is true and

complete to the best of my knowledge. I gave a statement in the interview and approve thiswritten summary freely and voluntarily without any promises or tkeats having been made to mg

or pressure or coercion of any kind having been used against me , ,

I serve as the Supply Officer onboard USS FORT MCHENRY. I have observed the undulyliu:riliar rclg,tionship betu'een tl're Commanding Oflicer (C-DR Stopyra) and the Medical Officer(l 'itrPJLU^)br

some time but tirst addressed it in September. great tast was being made in rhe

galicl bl tlrc ('O and l)oc befbre breakfast hours. CS's would enter the room and they would findin* Cil and r- i@tUlnaking breakfast together, A few deparrment heads discussed how to dealri'ith it. but one o1'the department heads went ahead and told the XO about it at that point, whichr,ras before we agreed to bring it to his attention.

f hc I l@{Qcontinucd to prepare breakfast in the galiey for the CO as welf as prepare him i

salads at otltcr nteals. She entered the galley during meal times as well to collect ingredients,to,,prel)iirc lirod li.rr the ('O. It'an1'one went to er u.ith an issue. she wouid say that she'd go to CDRStttill-S. In September I told thc C() I had an issue with food being prepared off hours and by L'l'

g!t[(a)]irr rhc gallcl.'jlc'ackrrovvlcdged nry complainr but provide<J no l-eedback. I sent an e-mailiit Septentber to l,-f Qp{b))yrddressing these issues and I received an antagonistic respoilso: I

alsti rcriewed the situatioriwith the X0.

For the next two-weeks. the situation improved. In the last few weeks it has gotten worse, CDRSlotr) ra ancf f .@{fi\tua1s eat in thJ wardrrxrm together. Recently. there were

"toiof

- 'oiliccls ai thc ntain table in thc vlardroon: and a lv{arine Of}'icer was sitting in the seat to the riglrt

rr!'rhc c o's chair r.vhcn CDR Stopl'ra and I.l@ {4r1yn.r* down to ear togerher, I-T@/Cr}saidsontethins to the effect ol"'l guess l'll come baik late('' She Ieft in one direction, and the CO leftitt anothcr and hc did not eat. 'fhey

both returncd approximatel-v- 20 minutes to_ a hal_f hour later.alicr rlre seats hacJ clcarcd ancl are lunch together. 'l'he nlessage was clear: L@)t(bi)"ust sitrl!'Xt to CIDR Stopyra. J

I havc never noticed an1'physicai contact.

'''ruiY|0;f\.\(L'\'i l; l l

I;SS FORT MCFIENRY

t tR(;.\\llA llON

Cl0lv{PHIBRON TWO

l.o('.1T1()N 0l: tN't'tRvl[\\:

L:SS FORT MCHENRY (LSD 43)

Bll.r.ri t'

DEPUTY COMMANDER

:':



Around .September. the CO began keeping his door closed, ollen during working hours. Beforethis. he had more of an open door policy. Also. all business had to be complete by 2000.

1 l@?Xb j\rcl ( I)R Sropvra r.rill watch movitr-s.iusr by rhernseh,es u,ith the cloor closed. 'lhe

iasi Sroup rtior ie rvc uatchcd was in June. A.joke arourid the ship is if you want to find the CO,r:heck rttcdicai. The Junior Sailors may have noticed this situation before the officers. CO doesnol want regular updates front me, just to come to him if I have something major.

I\ thc uardroom it is as if thc CO talks tono oneM{Tnt0Dwould esrinrate thar righr aftMai@t&$c wardroom will clear out. and no officers will eat there at rhe same time CDRStopl'ra eats. Shc acts cs though they are o1'equal rank. She once sat in his seat. so he moved andsal s()lt'tL-u'ltcre clsc.

fhey have been libert-v buddics with only each other in every port since the first time we were inAquaba.

W)tv\ Lrr*c_sn/- / I I SIGNATURE(W|TNESS)

'###H,i"JkL0,*ff ;:.:#ffi ffi:ffi 'Iking'lc,

t



WITNESS STATEI\{ENT

fru/la

SERVICE (BRANCH)

USN

DATN OF BIRfi

SERVTCTE (BRANCH)

USN

DATE

3 December 2009

lhe tilllowing summary was prepared from oral statements given during an interview on 3

l)ecember 2009. It is an accurate and coniplete summary of the interview and is true and

complete to the best of my knowledge. I gave a statement in the interview and approve thisw'ritten summary freely and voluntarily without any promises or threats having been made to me

or pressure or coercion of an1' kind having been used against me

I sc-rr,c as Boatswain and Senior Shore Patrol onboard USS FORT MCHENRY. I have noticed

rlrirl rlrc ctrmmanding oliicer tC'DR Stopyra) and the medical of'ficer &ffifiiA\spend a lot oftinre rogcthcr on the ship. I'hey eat almost all of their meals together. TFough I-am Senior ShorE

Patrol. I tend not to see when people come and go from the ship. I mainly make sure everyone is

back onboard on time. not when they lefl. I have not seen them on liberty together myself.

( )nhoard the ship I have noticed thar she will make a meal rlr ice cream tbr him and bring it up tohi: stateroont. I har c scrn hcr go up to his statcroom aiter hours. around 2300 and enter the

corntrinution to gct in.

-\l'rouI thrcc uronths ago. s()mcor)c (l clo nclr knou'who) put a menu rvith "Doc" written on the top

nc\t lo the ('()'s citair. as il'that u'as ar1 assigned seat. hefiire they came down for lunch. This was

dtrnc as a.ioke. I did not think the.joke was appropriate to make and so I picked up the menu.

thrcu it in thc trash and said: "'l'his does not belong in the wardroom." Meaning that behavior didlr()t hclong.

i irai c lrcartl her rel-rrrcd to on the cleck plates as "the Captain's Boo" ard I have heard rumorslulrrrut picl.ures and videos but I have not seen an)'.

I have not seen a change in hou'CDR Stopyra treats the rest of the wardroom and I believe he hastaught us a great deal about Amphib Operations. He treats people the same way he always has. I.have heard rumors that her rewards get approved more than other people's however, I have notseen or notics"d any preferential treatment towards her.

From w'hat I could tell they went out on liberty at varying times, 1100. 1600, etc.. and usualty

returned bi 12-30. I can sa1 lbr sure that thel, always returned by 021Q, because that is when Iretunr liorrr sltore palr()l rnd thcv arc alrval's accounted ibr. While ,ILW{7|}oes not siglt out

.\( l:\'t'l Y l:\l l

L;SS FORT'MCHENRY

-_El'l(6 )R(,r\\:l/.^ I lO\

COIvIPFIIBRON ]"WO

! (X .\'l l()\ ot: lN't'!RVll-.\\'

rjss FoRT MCI{ENRY (LSD 43)

RA'I'E/RANK

CAPTBILLT.:'f

DEPUTY COMMANDER

",t.",1



E*/ tt

N'\Ili: iWl'l NIiSSi SERVICE (BRANCH)

USNDATI OF BIRTII

SF,RVK:E (BRANCH)

USN

qLb\

LjSS Fort McHenry (LSD-43)

N^[tt; .lNl'ERVltjWF-Rt

___-.wwi)R(; tNtZl',floN

COMPHIBRON TWO

t.(x'ATroN ot; tNl t:Rvil:w

l.jSS tjort McFIenry (LSD -43)

'lhe staternent which appears on this page (and the following L pug.6J, all of which are signed by me), is made

lieely and 'r'oluntarily by me, and without any promises or threats having been made to rne or pressurc or coercion ofatty kind having been used against me, and is true and cornplete to the best of my larowledge.

'I'heC'O (CDR Stopyral ."4 t@{-b$ally spend a lot ol'tinrc together. 't'hey go on libeny togerher and they sir

Itrgclhcr in thc wartlroclttt lilr ntc.als. -)

I rralk,''J ull() thc ( 0's cabin to gel u''r'rL'ssage

signed and I noticed thg qQ otrA f-ffi@$Dre watching'IVti,-:.rl'lhi'r. tht tlortt \\ its ()pcn. Thc CO rvas sitting at his desk anO l@ffifyar rffiofi, t(e confercnce'-table in thecabirr. <- v- YJ

^ -.'l'lrcirlclationship has been noticed by the crew. I heard a chief make a vague comment about the CO's and LT

lpl(p )) s relationsniP'

I iirst notice thar the ('O and L't(btl/rppt a lot of time together sonre time around July, it became obvious thenDuring a wettirlg down in a port,Jhe iwo.!9{hem arrive together and then they left together, I saw them togetherduring iiberty in Egypr, Oman and Rota.

I rlitl rrot scc anv phvsrcal contact bets.ccn fhe CO onat-'; @ tb\

WITNESS STATEMENT



WITNESS STATEMENT

&tl/z

SERVICE (BRANCH)

USN

D^]'E OT BIRTH

SERVICE (BMNCH)

USN

DA'TE

3 December 2009

'I'he tbllowing summarJ/ was prepared from oral statements given during an interview on 3

December 2009. It is an accurate and complete summary of the interview and is true and

complcte to the best of my knowledge. I gave a statement in the interview and approve thiswritten sumnlary freely and voluntarily without any promises or threats having been made tq me

or pressure or coercion of any kind having been used against me.,

I have noticed a undull.'familiar relarionship between the medical officer &b:WJ {na tfre

cornmanding oftlcer (CDR Stopyra). 'fhe two of them always eat meals together. SheTas the

cocte to his stateroom and will clften answer his cloor when it is closed.

I met the ship in p.iibouti. When I was touring the ship by myself, I came by the stateroom and

noticecl that t.ffi-fg\\as watching a movie in his stateroom, and I asked other officers if the('( t's rvit'c wasinboardTor thc cruise. Being a rlew Ensign, I was not sure if that was something('( )':; qeu14 d..

I havc secrr her bring icc creanr up to hirn al2200. Everyone knows where she is going if she is

bringing firod up to his level. It has become an almost daily routine for her to bring things up to

hirn,

In thc ri'ardroom -rccEn4l. tht-' nrain tabie was full except for the CO and XO's seat when CDRStogra and I ffb-.lrDtre cftrwn. The seat nexl to the CO was occupied by a Marine officer-

I I fih{.b$irl somethins ro rhe ef]'ect o1': "l gucss I'll come back later." And left the wardroom.q'l llt Srtrp,ira also lcfi through a different door. About twenty minutes later, when the. wardrciorn

l:aii cicarcd ()Lrt. [hc]' rcturnccl ond proceeded to eat iunch together. alone.

l-hc two are almost always on libeny together. I saw them come from the same room in a hotel inBahrain. I also .sau'thenr in the pool togethcr in Oman and they'were splashing eachother in the

.

pocl. I I'ourrd rhe Lrehar ior to bc llirtatious. lt made me uncomfortable so I left and swam in a

dilibrent pool.

R4anians on ()ur slrip earlier in our deploynrent doing VBSS training. They thought that

lJ hd ('l)l( Stopyra r\,cre manied.-)

\Alv!I: lWll'Nt:SSr

--l-\( !'lvllY l.\11

(/\

USS FOR] \4CHF:NRY (LSD-43)

\n VF r!N'tliRVlli\r'lill r

J(bt )R('ANi/r\ f lON

COMPHIBRON'TWO

;.(.{ ,\ riofi ()f liulIRVI[w

r.jss FoR'r MCHENRY (LSD-43)

BILLET

DEPUTY COMMANDER

t.'la

J*l



En"//s

SERVICE (IIRANC.H)

USNDATE OF tsIRTH

SERVICE (BRANCil)

USN

COMPHIBRON TWO

l.OC'A l lON Ol: lN f lrRVlt:W

uss FORT MCHENRY (LSD -43)

'l'lre statement which appears on this page (and the following _Lpage!,t|, all of which are signed by me), is nrade

t)'cely and voluntarily by me , and without any promises or threats having been made to me or pressure or coercion ofan-v'kind having heen usecl against me, and is true and complete to the best of my knowledge,

'flrereis a lot of hear-say about the relationship between the CO (CDR Stopyrat ana Lf@{kD

.l.trlrrolslrrtgirnrcssalrutothc'('Oorrudayafierl800.'l'hecloortothe'CO'scabinwasclose. Iknockedandl.T

U:ttOIJpcr*ud thc .loor. ! hc ('O urs .sitling ar tire desk and two were alone in the officc, I felt uucou'rfortable. ::: ,

I surr thc C() irnrl Eb{llln"-!.lctlrcr on libcrty at thc hotel in Salalah, Onran. Tlrey rvere in the pool playing arouncl

und snluslr irts,. atciat iach'iiih.'r

I did nor obr"",.v. any physical contact between the CO^rrdLTW*r|t

I lirst noticed the relationship sone time in mid to late July, rvhen l.reported onboard. Everyone in the crew hasnoticed the relationship.

WW

WITNESS STATEMENT

uss FORT MCHENRY (LSD-43)

_bJ\

7/

L/ oec dr>, r

.l,f;1aruRE(wrrNEss)

LIIJLA J \ ,,oru*tSIUnrr{nc 0NTERVIEWER



WITNESS STATEMENTRATE/RANK

HMCS

{dqsERvtcE. (BRANCH)

USNDAI'E Ot BrRTH

SERVIC:E IBRANCII)

USN

DATE

3 December2009

'l'he following summary was prepared fiom oral statements given during an interview on 2,

l)ecernber 2009. It is an accurate and complete summary of the interview and is true and

complete to the best of my knowledge. I gave a statement in the interview and approve this

written summary freely and voluntarily without any promises or threats having been made to me

or pressure or coercion of any kind having been used against me

I sen'e as nredical Senior Chief Petty Officer onboard USS FORT MCHENRY. I lpv_e heard a

Iot o1'rumors about an unduly t'amiliar relationship between the medical officer ffffi{0)}"athe commanding otfrcer (CDR Stopyra). As the Senior Chief in medical, I have tridd to quash

rhe rr-rmor mill..

I sa, L'@'IU\)"aCDR Stopyra going on tiberty together a lot, but I did not want to believe

an! thing was inappropriate about it. I never sa\^' any physical contact or anything that would lead

nrs t(l bclie\r.'thcl' were al all intimate. I did think it was odd that CDR Stopyra would spendtinrc s ith jusl one departmcnt lread.

I lrrst realizcd it could be a prohlenr around Rota, Spain, but I thought *'ith only a few wceks leftin clcplrlvnrent. the matter woulcl resolve ilsellrvhen we returned from home port.

( In I I)ccembcr. I wcnt to CMC because we had an I{M2 tic for Junior Sailor of the year.buluitlrutiebrcakcrvot!'.thcClhiel-sMessrecomnrerrdedadifferentsailor. Thenlwasloldto

,

uritc thc sailor of thc.vear auard filr my sailor and I fbund out that CDR Stopyra had decided.toqo w ith ml I I!12. I ftruncl out later and while I believed m), seilor deserved the award, it was not

.

uhrt thc'(hicl's Mess rccomnrended and I wanted to support the mess. I was also worried that

dcspitc rny department's hard rrork and accornplishments. oftpr.sailors may think that medical

uas ()nl)'giren IIZ's because ol'rhe relationship bet*.een LdbtfiIhna Cbn Stopyra. I wasconcerned over the last two weeks or so because the C0 was ln our ipaces on a few occasions.

I Ie once u'as j ust drinking coflbe in our space. he sat through our quarters. and at another timerevierved some administrative materials for the UL'|RA-E inspection (which was expected forULI'RA-E preparation). As I spoke with the CMC about some of my concerns, the DeputyCommander and JAG arrived while I was discussing this issue.

I dici hear joking in the Chief s Mess but I did not bring it up because it was so late in

tISS FOR'T MCHENRY

\nI{tj r l\1 FRVlli\\'iiR1

[Ln{uroR(,.\\llAl l()N

COMPHIBRON TWO

I tX \ I l()r" ()F lN'l'l:RVl[W

{rSS tORT MCHENRY tLSD 43)

BII,,LEl'

DEPUTY COMMANDER

/w



deplol,ment.

I-,.

.

I nas concerned due ro the rcputation of the department . \.I@I;4ilone of the best medicalolJlcr.'rs I hal'e worke'd u'ith, and we have some great junior siilors. fe naa a HMI receive

Senior Sailor of the Year with a unanimous vote from the Chiefs Mess-z---)

I..i, '



WITNESS STATEMENTII I. \,\\{!:,Wl l\l:SSI

-*EC?Xb)1 -('itiltyt'\il

\A\|t, r lNl'l:RYll:Wl:R,

r_b)[

IJSS IJORI"MC]HENRY

('R(:,\\ t/.A l l()N

COMPHIBRON TWO

l.(.X'.\1 1(.)N OI' lNlhR VlEw

r.jss FORT MCHENRY (LSD 43)

t0!

)lstLLI r

DEPUTY COMMANDER

SERVICE IBRANCH)

USN

DATL OF BIRTH

SERVICE (BRANCH)

USN

DATE

2 December 2009

6n /zt

The tbllowiug summary was prepared from oral statements given during an interview on 2

December 2009. It is an accurate and complete summary of the interview and is true andicomplete to the best of my knowledge. I garre a statement in the interview and approve thisrvrittu'n summary freely and voluntarill, ,n'lt1tout any promises or threats having been made to meor pressure or coercion of any kind having been used against me

I serve as operations Senior Chief Petty Officer onboard USS FORT MCHENRY. I believe there

is an unduly familiar relatio_nship between our Commanding Officer (CDR Stopyra) and ournredical officer (LI-b-{fuN have seen the two of them together a iot, but noi too often on the

ship. On liben-n- I hiXe seen-them shopping together, and at the hotel together in AlexandriaEgi'pt. At first I was not concerned about seeing them on liberty together, but then they were

rlu ar s onlv on liherrl' w ith each other.

In tcrnrs of physical contact. I saw CDR Stopyra help LT&6ta)-1rr of the water during swimcall. but there rvas nothing very unusual about that. I also saw thim watching dolphins at one

point up by the CWIS on the ()-6 level. but again, I did not think too much of it.

I cliJ tlncl it strange unce wlren walking b1'the CO's Stateroom around 2030,I ru* lf& [I4purrch in thc cornbination to the statcroom and v',alk in.

'l'he (.hicl-s rrress finds thc rclationship strange. and it is conrmented on and joked about by the

.iunior sail<-rrs as well. I arn not sure if this uas brought to the CMC's attention.

r



E*/q

SERVICE (BRANCH)

USN

DATN()F

I]IRTII

SERVICE IBRANCH)

USN

DATE

2 December 2009

l'hc fbllowing summary was prepared frorn oral statements given during an interview on 2December 2009, It is an accurate

and complete summary of the interview and is true andcomplete to the best of my knowledge. I gave a statement in the interview and approve thisuritten summary freely and voluntarily without any promises or threats having been madeto meor pressure or coercion ofan1'kind having been used against me.

I sen'e as a Hull Technition Chief, and Shore Parrol Chief on USS FORT MCHENRY. I believethert- is an unduly familiar relationship between the medical officer &TfulliYlnd thecommanding officer (S.DI

l_topyra) As a nrember of shore patrol I had to ofpoffunity ro observeCI)li Sttrpira and I.Il$ilh\jrn liberty and w'hen theyicorne and go trom the ship. Theirinteraction on libertv appearfto be normal and fiiendly. Sometimes they are alone on liberty andsometimes they are w'ith other people. Usually they are the first off the ship for liberty and ihelast lrack on. L'@(/[]suaily does not sign out if she is Ieaving with CDR Stopyra. Mostll,the-

Ittttcs I ltave seen tlrcm not b1 themselves on liberty is for wardroom f'unctions. ,,

i have heard runrors about other behavior, I have heard that m@/,Das made his bed andfixed meals for him. I have heard there is a video of them on You Tubel but I have not seen it.

i liirr c nc\er secn an1 physical contact between the tuo.

I har.c heard cliscussions in the C'hiet.s Mess. including run'lors about fixing meals, and theIjS \':, bcing uncolnfirnahle around thenr.

WITNESS STATEMENT

RATET{ANK

CAPT

\.\\1l-,{Wll NbSS,

Cftr1t/f\.\( tlVt fYr;\l'1

USS TORT'MCHENRY

Vlt-lWliR.r.

]Y(AJi ,;{(i..\\llA floN

C'OMPT{IBRON TWO

l.(x..\1 t(.))i ()t: tN'l'tiRVlFw

I.;SS FORT MCHENRY (LSD 43)

Btr.[-E1'

DEPUTY COMMANDER

j

//

t

r^@ffi":: :H;



-(rncr zqPage I ofl

&rvtl_:!I_rrom: @JLUJJ Lr

Sent: Monday, July 27,2009 3:03 PM

to: Stopyra, Christopher CDR

e,

I.:

.. .:

_

co.

Vlr,NAV

clll),"USN

.1... .

Subiect COSO CH-1

srgnedBy: fbQIlExcuse me, this needs another edit. Where is Standing Order #14, *6lf rf-lcan do whatever shewishes'Doctrine? Hello.... .... V (Y\rJ

rrom: @tU)] LrSent: Monday, July 27,20Og 9:22 PM

Ilirr"f,BjtLr/rlSubject: COSO CH-1

Ail,Standing Orders (1) and (13) have changed; permission for internal fuel transfers now lies with the OOD virb the,

L

rBJLTNAVIGATORUSS FORT MCHENRY (LSD 43)

CbXI.oD

I 2/3/100e



/nu/ zg

_tLnJ-t :r _

From: Stopyra, Christopher CDR

Sent: Mondav. Auoust 17 2009 11:03 PM

ro: rcUkn ,rQktl(tf,"Subject: FY10 STAFF 04 LIST

The FYlC Staff O-4 iist rs out.

Unfortunately I did not see any below-zone picks.

l'll be lookrng forward to seeing your names on the FY'I1

Keep up the great work.

R/

Commander C.M. StopyraCommanding OfficerUSS Forl McHenry (LSD 43)"Home of the Brave",i_'. ; :i :.443-825;

From: (:rq2i;=1.''" ttSent: Monday, August L7,2009 9:55 PM

To: Stopyra, Christopher CDR

Subject; RE; SOS - need a Hand Surgeon

Amen I ,i ce right up


Sent-Fl"irv.. Auqust t7, 2009 9:54 PM

ro: @)(.kJ) : rrSubject: RE: SOS - need a Hand Surgeon

Rockstar tlD.{.tzl]l ll share a cold diet coke with you...

Comnrander C.M. Stopyra

Commanding OfficerUSS Fort McHenry (LSD 43)"Home of the Brave"'f :.-;: ;, - ia.a43 825C

r,om,ffi{p} e LrSent: Monday, Arffust L7,2009 9:40 PM


Subject: RE: SOS - need a Hand Surgeon

Yea cai'nrerockstar. Bytneway thanksforrecognizrngSO#14invuritingtonrght€)

ll .1 l()09

Pagc I of2

list.



'll

Edza

',i.':.i. l-.r i - !r.1:; ',',':.ai: '!'..; - ''nAl: I irl wE:ia) the nCVi.e.'.,: .' . ... i , :. ,n:; .

f arn in no hurry. I arn workinq on

ai)RlliiCl!l il:i.?. PM

t.a.:a r,\j_____

-t, , : ._ -. ^-.t. -- -rr-:i:..\rPt:.i: ..nr;::i)Cg 8:X?,'eM

From:Sent:To:Subject:

Stopyra, Christopher CDRRE,

ajx;::; ii,

ICo-yrl^)'.

;u: ,i;i::J,

:48 ?!,.

'F'

lI

CaL:- ne when you want to !.ratch j-t.



Page? of 4

atlendedSwOS finishing school ond then completed o SWO guol boord...thot's it. I would put your MD

gualificotionpipelineonihetobleogoinstonyof myguolificofionsonyday. Yourlevelofexpertiseinyourf ield is more in ltne w/ o Conodion or Royol Novy principol worfore officir (their vErsion of o TAO)...where

they study oll things TAO f or over ?-years bef ore stepping onto o ship. Furth e?mo?e, this of f icer shouldlook to history, specifically to the role of the ship's doctor during fhe doys the Brit's moster-y of theseos..,thot would moke o worthy 'training' topic for you to pnovide to the Wordroom :)

Have a nice doy todoy ond continue to olwoys foke fhe high rood :)

xxxO

Sent: Mondav, Auoust 24.2009 22:14

I:ilEQ'l[F"),ainingfvi

r€-r(vI)


*:*frj-Ufftz+'2ooe 11:oo PM

Subject: RE: Officer Training

C'erLt/ilBZ. Very well done, very classy,

Keep up the great work.

Commander C.M. StopyraCommanding OfficerUSS Fort McHenry (LSD 43)"Home of the Brave"POTS: 757-443-8250

and very much right (as usual).

r,o' Dful-Culfff:ru'qi7tS*"ha?ffiffriSlCc: Stopyra, Christopher CDR -

LT; loldschmidt, Brian LCDR

SubJect: RE: Officer Training

Traino.

First of all, I think it is interesting that you chose to (1) open up this discussion to the whote wardreom instead ofkeeping it only between the 4 original people who were privy to the conversation. (2) forward THIS email to thewardroom rather than the one the CO responded to stating that he agrees with me - that instructorr shouldteach to their strengths - evrdenced by the fact that on your lis1, the Supply Ofiicer SWO is teaching a SUPPLYtopic. (3) not respond to my offer that if I teach a SWO topic, then you teach a medical one. I teach MK38, you

teach blast injuries

t?!!200e



Page 3 of 4

ls tactical combat medical care not a part of combat readiness?

I noticed you didn't send this email out under the title of SWO Officer training. You simply wrote Officer Training.We have 63 first aid boxes, 4 mass casualty boxes and 3 battle dressing stations, an operating room and 2

dental operatories on THIS ship, yet no medical topic appears on the Officer Training schedule. But which ismore likely to happen : fire the MK38 in an other than training setting, or have to deal with a medical emergency

and CASEVAC situatron on the fly?

Force Health Protection is everyone's business. That's why I think we should teach to our strengths.

From: f,lttJ/)l .rGSent: .t'4onr1av^ juoust 24,2009 9:42 pM

ro'WJLU-)) rr'fQJCt f\ Lr; Gotdschmidt, Brian LCDR

Cc: Stopyra, Christopher CDR; _WARDROOMSubject: RE: Officer Training

I thought that having a pin meant you had some knowledge of SWO topics. I apologize for the mix up. MED€and DENT-O will not be on the list.

Once again I apologize for the inconvenience.

Very Respectfully,Training Otficer

J: . /, 1_\

Lf lc lJpLv J) p

lrarnrng unrcerUSS Fort McHenry (LSD-43)

FPO AE 09569-1731"Home of the Brave

r,o^;ffBfigJl ,-'Sent: Mondav, nu-oust 2+ 2O{Jg5:03 PM

' . : :j

ro' f(oltlJ) .r;cp{-irJl LrJG; Gotdschmidt, Brian LCDR .

cc: stoFvra]-cn-riitopner cFn-- - I

Subject: RE: Officer Training

Alcon

l'm wrth doc too on thifr{p} feel free to teach a class about maxillofacial trauma, and even better to dealwithmy grrlling you after the tecturd and lll teach what you assigned.

Yes, the doctor will be assigned by the Training Officer to teach SWOs and future SWOs about MK38 25mmGWS if the Training Officer will teach the Wardioom about the pathophysiology of blast injuries and the autonomicnervous system reactions within the human body to moment when a human realizes a blast is about to occur.

ii

12t2,2009



Page4of4 i..:

{

Otherwise, we ought assign topics commensurate with one's area of expertise. I can go either way.

What say you?

USS Fort McHenry (LSD43)

FPO AE 09569-1731"Home of the Brave"

t2!2;2009

r-r'[p11211LrrG

Sent: Monday, &Etst z+,2W9 3:45 PM

To: _WARDROOM

Subjec$ Officer Training

Good aftemoon Wardroomt re ,,-Attached is the Wardroom training Schedule. Congratulations to XO, EN&XrqDISBO, they got.their firstchoice for topics.

V/RTRAINO

.t

:{r" .-{i: .

I t 1

,.:

.



Ftil:fifiielioog 1:02 PMStopyra, Christopher CDRRE: Bahrain Overnight Liberty

:i L-,,i

i-:st. h/,:: J'nI a:acl i cir abO'ret

i.C someth.ing ro you, b,/c shd-knows

€ac/ ?e

ops blurted cutwere the cniy

her incompeLencton.ight .

hrhat you and I ia:k

rLT


mGItL,I..ras si rri ng wiilr[p.[/[ ops],nJ.el. .and when1rl{, "::o it'.s i'oY F- 7's" iru.Llhlf.i}1d Nav

reacheC you as a quesrion <.:n site

rrrer,crs wit{J{Qj}ut r *,ett her, trra r rtever happens .

trlc 7.iri

a'.:,A

"- --)/

tlt ItlD

::., .::. L+:.'.torr :f,a: :,iiil were sure we had submitted for approval E7-r +r'-y. irJh.:ii : ro;=zo Liie Bahra:r slides a second timl throught')-tr.tlei:, i liui a1:;: sucmjcted for E6 arrd above since r saw lhat

r:'.'i.'ij. fnDli ::;s ;rpcrc)r/eo E6 ancj above forovernight iiberty ati :.p,:'.i,:'irt::c i:;r :;ot nLak: nq that clear when I routed the slides

..,..-:,.._:,- i

arid, lAb'ove 'f crrTM CoC, toBataan got'

yourthe second

(&x(/))



Page 2 of2

Commander C.M. StoPYra

Commanding OfficerUSS Fort McHenrY (LSD 43)

"Home of the Brave"i,'lIS 757-443-8250

r'.o'fb-trjaj'l LrSent: Sindiy, A@[st 30, 2009 4:34 AM


Subject: RE: I GUESS STAYING IS THE HARD PART

Good morning We have nothing going on except Anthrax imms tomorrow. Groundhog day from last night except

I 1r nol ie:rv,ng so soon t had aiispidron that you weren't asleep when I left. Too much light pollution also..

)on I wory t li ftx this llttle issue :;

:

i

From: Stopyra, ChristoPher CDR

*I= ffitsVllflT2e' 200s 1 1 :48 PM

subjectil GUESS Sfnvtrue Is THE HARD PART

r&r/aDThanks. That was really good.

Now I need to work on staying asleep'

Unbelievable.


Commanding Officer

USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43)"Home of the Brave"Pors 757443-8250

- .\:,

..it;

.'',..

t

I 2,',-I,':()l)()



DnCkOvager or4

f4r*ttrrr:From: [Of tZq Lr

Sent: Saturday, August 29,20A9 2:40 PM

To: Stopyra, Christopher CDRSubject: RE: Deployment Awards as of 29AUG09

sisnedBy. t@U'k)lMy mistake then,sorry. Will you be needing plan b thwn? if so, step away from the computer and callwhen you

are ready lf not then sweet dreams ..'

:


Sentl5aturday,-August 29, 2OO9 10:36 PM

rcz|{fc{gll.rt

Subject: RE: Deployment Awards as of 29AUG09

I relax very well, thank you. ljust may not get as mellow as some when I do.

Commander C.M. StopyraCommanding OfficerUSS Fort MJHenry (LSD 43) ' .

"Home of the Brave"POTS 75;-443.8250 :

_t-:

From: (D)(t6ilSent: Satdrday, Aufd(t29,2009 10:25 PM



'/ou :eed rt I don't know why yet, but you have such a difficult time relaxing - much more than I do, at leasttonight anyway.

From: Stopyra, Christopher CDRl

Seng^SaJylda-y, August 29,2OOg 10:23 PM

ro:ftp,J(p\l Lrsuffct: Ft o-e6iovrent Awards as of 29AUG09

Like the calories are really an issue for you. You couid hide behind a lifeline stanchion.

\liith an eye for aesthetics. I am bewitched by your vanity ''

:

So whc will need a back rub first/most?

Commander C.M. Stopyra . ,,, -, ''

Commanding Officer :

USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43)"Home of the Brave"!,Ol S ;a7 d43-tj250

From:

I l,+,'J009



Page? o{ 4

Sent; Saturday, August 29,2009 10:15 PM

To: Stopyra, ChristoPher CDR


I did take benadryl. lt is making me chill

Thanks for the article on etoh For people with a pinch of vanity (like me) higher alcohol by volume 7o meansgetting to OZ rn less calories Bravo Drinking by stealth is just another term for alcoholism.


10:09 PM

Did you take a benadryl?

Commander C.M. Stopyra

Commanding Officer

USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43)"Home of the Brave"f,oTS;5i.4.,:i-s?50

From:,UbUZJ-- rsent: Satildai-nig0-st 29, 2OO9 10 : 0B PM



As weil as rdentical sleeping tssues. ....

!f

2-

7

rii-.;:


Sent: Saturday, August 29,200910106 PM

Il,rffi lf.gl);J* Awards as or 2eAUGoe

OK. then we have pretty much identical surfing practices. I

not. Al Jezeera English on speed dial. NOAA is also there


Commanding OfficerUSS Forl McHenry (LSD 43)"Home of the Brave"POI S 7:7-443 tJ250

From:EpJtfZf\ e irSent: saturoay, AuEtust 29,2OOg 10:04 PM ,: '



M net surfing is 99% newspapers mosfly. I have cnn on speed dial, Contrary to popular (your) belief, I shop only

wrth a purpose (buy gifts). I don't window shop online - unless I am helping someone pick out a cell phone o

Froml Stopyra, ChristoPher CDR

have Fox, BBC and believe it orfor tides, currents and weather.

f,j

I l'ljl0()9



Page.

Sentl Satufdav. Auoust ?-9,2009 10:00 PM

ro: flb{fu1]Subject: RE; Defloyment Awards as of 29AUG09

Or in your case, they go to SHOP

Commander C'. M. StopyraCommanding OfficerUSS Fort McHenry (LSD 43)"Home of the Brave"PoTS 757-!43-8250

rromftLJ.dtafl LrSent: Saturday, Aug0st 29,2009 9:54 PM



Thank you for the expianation. I don't envy your job. I am not sure you will pick up any Medical folks then, and

that s ok tt is my job as the DH to advocaiefor them (basically, respect HMCS's wishes to submit the request), I

admire your willingness to make merit 1st priority, as this is the way it should be. Too often, people are rewardedfor doing thelrJob on a bad day vs. going "over and above".

Perhaps you can offer another round of FLOCs towards the end of deployment, and give more folks a chance to

shine on ine OacX end of this cruise?

Thanks for the bbc article I disagree about net surfing being a big help.

pra^ I r: s Try to setile rn before 2300 and call when you're ready Maybe start a movie now and get a head

s:ar't cn'eiaxatton


SenH.5atu.rday,*{ggust 29, ZA09 9:47 PM

ro: [p {-?J \ Lrsubja nr:bjpr6yment Awards as of 29AUG09

Don't misunderstand-again, between us, l'm all about the points too, but the nomination,: '-

starting point is "meritorious"-either way, I think it becomes somewhat arbitrary. The fact,that

Flag O"fficers have dictated some policies on "rank appropriate" awards is arbitrary at besJ' We

witt'stitt recognize our top perforn and I would argue thai the really great ones will g?il't.

points for be-rng Ep and cons ,rty above RSCA with high rating exam scores (wheie it's less

lf it were only about the points, we would target points for those who really need them (based

on status orirrun;. I ptan to be consistent and oblective but even across rates there will-'have

to be some subjectivity-l'm preaching to the choir-you alreadyknow this stuff. Amen.


Commanding OfficerUSS Forl McHenry (LSD 43)"Home of the Brave"F OT S 757-443-1i250

From: @rta:],.,Sent: Saturday, August 29, ZO09 9:33 PM

:i

ll4,'l(x)c)



Page 4 of 4



Just be consistent. Erther be the "meritorious' guy or be the points guy.points. not for meritorious service.

Sorry the med rs not workrng. You know plan b. call when ready.


Sent: Saturday, August 29,2009 9:25 PM

I freely admit that my nominations are for

To: .T


[olItz))Between you and me, this is an example of "ready. fire, aim" on the XO's part.

There was some (very little) discussion as to some of the folks that were downgraded or

removed and some that were displaced from FLOC to NAM were not necessarily discussed.So this is not "final" by any means. Also, I have not seen a single citation or summary of actionso it would certainly be premature at best.

I hope that helps (so far the Benadryl hasn't).

Commander C.M. StopyraCommanding OfficerUSS Fort McHenry (LSD 43)"Home of the Brave"p() ts ;57 443.t\25C

From: Goldschmidt, Brian LCDR

'.

ALCON.I have briefed the CO on our Deployment Awards proposal. The attachment spells out what has been

approved at this point in time. Everyone on the FLOC list needs to have the citation and '1650 tumed p to me

rulf f AOO on 03SEP Some personnelwere downgraded and some personneldid not make the cut..-

Remember however that we are only half-way through this. There is still the backload, BRIGHT STAR,

washdown, country engagements, COMRELs, etc that should provide ample opportunity for demonstrated '

excellence on the job There is still ESWS to earn, SOQs to award, CAP nominations to preBare. Your Sailors

still have many opportunities to be recognized. The only thing that is "closed out' is the opportunity for FLOCs

while in the 5th Fleet AOR.

lf you have questions about the personnel that were downgraded or "fell out" come and see me in person.

I will not publish that in an email.XO

LCDR Brran GoldschmidtXO. USS FORTMCHENRY (LSD43)xo@lsd43 navy.mil ( smil mil)

currently away from homeport

13,'+,'lt)09



Page 2of3


Sent: Horrdav. AuoustiJ, 2009 11:01 PM

rrr (-(r)J LV ) 'l

suuje,ft-:he:-- -J

It's just a matter of time for plan B.

Here's a review note on the book Survival of the Sickest that I thought may interest you. I:

thought it was a good (and quick) read.

I hure ulvtt.t'.s heen puzzle cl h1' the .,4'4y in vyhich genelic' disease s hen'e ntanaged to strvive throughottt

the uga.r. I lou' t'ould il he thut thc:;e diseuses v)ere cthle to u,ilhsland the evolutionary pracess, v,here

onll tht,most fit suryit,e, ttnclcontinue to be lransferretl.fi'om one generaliort lo lhe next? Survivalof the

Sickcst pntriclcs u thoug,ht ltro,voking .t,cl enterluining explunalion to this puzzle.

ln thi;; in.right/ul htutk l)t'. Sltttrort :l,loulent c{cntonslrcrles ltou' crsnditictns' lhat are considered unhealth.v

l.suc'h u.s henochrontatos'is. tliahete s. antl high choleslcrol), or even ileadly in exlrente coses, might

trc'tuull.t ptil lhcir c'urricrs at un uclt,untugc in combutingother life-tltrealeningillnesses, For example, ' 'i

he explttitr.t tlteil hctnocht'omilosis, u disea.se thut, i/'le./i untt'eated, u'ill kill you, mery have aclually fieen

tt de/in.se ugctin,s't thc deutlliest pundemic in hislorT,--lhe hubonic plague during the I4th century. It lurns

out thilt lhi.t genatit' tnutulion. y,hit'h c'ontinue.y to be trtctssed dou,n lhrough generations, actually helped

.\pure mun.r' livc.t ctt one poittl.

'fhrutughottl tha hook, Dr. .fi4aalent clrau,s mctny cot?neclions helween seemingly disparule sttbjects, sttch

us the ttc't'itlentul invention o./'ic'e v'ine and cold diuresis, in order to illurlrate the hasic mechanisms r4f

genatic'.r ttntlntetlic'ine in c'hurming und intuititte v'a),s. He skiltfully inlervt,eaves his kntsu'ledgeoJ'

histor.t,, !:cnctics, cutd medicine not only u.t lhey relule to spccific medical conditions bul also in a u,ay

thut udtlre:;.ses imprtrtunt chullenges o/'moder"n societv- cutd our.fulure evolulion.

ln the nto,;t generul tern'ts, Dr. Moulem's tlescriptktn rt'lhe human hody and it,s conzplexity Ieft me in au,e

of funr.fhr $c hutc c'onte in our unclerstanding of'hiolo54t und medicine, u,hile also being reminded thut

thc nrurl to untlerstunt{ing otn'sclvc,y i:; still tidc open vvith ntuch more to l.earn in the decades, und et'ct1

L'ct'tturic.\. !o L'on1e. It i:; u./hntustic.journel; on u'hic'h he Icads us und Dr. A,loulem is a kind,

kn ort e i ge ct h I e. h u m or ot,r ;,^, u n tl he tp/il t gu i d e.

r,onbJLU/)-\ Lr. r- .

senffiorlouvl Ksdtt 31, 2009 10:57 PM , r.


Subject: RE:

Yes but I DO need one. so thanks for being my crutch.

Since you re not getting horizontal anytime soon then, I m getting back in my little black cami and chillaxing. You

can a:ways cali rf y6, need plan b,


Sen$i$4qnqay, August 31, 2009 10:53 PM

ro.Ut@)) Lr

lli4.'l()09



Page 3 of3

Subject: RE:

OK, Buddy e

I didn't need an excuse, it was happening anyway.

As for sleep. it's not coming so soon. I

Commander C.M. StopyraCommanding OfficerUSS Fort McHenry (LSD 43)"Home of the Brave"POTS 757.441.8250

From: UDLUj) ,r,Sent: Mdnuay, Hldfst 31, 2009 10:50 PM


Subject: RE:

It's not that bad you don't need to be staying up anyway. And now you have an excuse to be housed elsewhere

for tne whole week and since you need a lib buddy, so do i nice going, .. . .. ...


Sent: t&tday, Augqst 31, 2009 10:48 PM

ro: C{DJL@}Subject:\,E: -

shit!

Commander C.M. Stopyra

Commanding OfficerUSS Fort McHenry (LSD 43)"Home of the Brave"r,OiS 75,7.443.8250

From: A@LUJ\,Sent: Monday, August 31, 2009 10:47 PM


Subject:

It's too bad your tv is hosed. Remember that movie we saw the end of, with the 4 guys in vegas? lt's on now,.

Very funny - clever funny.You need a new tv,

nY'

t,qr

.tt

t; !

;a

12,4:1009



C(Ntot'fJ'",

ALCOrl-,

lrlc.rsc ttst' thr' lirrk bc'lorv lo alrnotate rvhether or not ycrun'ill

requestovernight liberty in BAH. Place an x onthe clav (l -6) that you are requesting o/n liberty and complete the spreadsheet with location for overnight stqy

and a recall nunrber. Please provide vour input by 1500. Thanks!

S: I:XtjCLjl'lvt; StIARF.D\KllAKl O:N tsAll,xl.s

I{' Vru tulrSupplv Olficer Juss t,oRl' MCHENRY (LSD43)FPO AE 09569-1731

POTS: 757413-8365

sllPPo(i I sd:l]. naYJ.ttt i I

suppo:ri !.ld:13, 94y-r,.-5p j l,p! I

"-ftt" i.tpn,,riililry ;i power is like holcling an egg. Grasp it too tightly ancl it will drip through your fingers; holdit too looselv and it will drop and break." - Ashanti proverb

Page I of Ilint 3z

[pt(p)) rr,)-, 17at0al ,,Sent: Monday, August 31, 2009 5:08 AM


Subject: advice

Why rs she tracking this and how would you like me to answer? Do I have to answer her at all? YOU knowwnere I rn going and she is not a CDO The less these people about you and I are doing the better.

Thank you for your wise counsel, gator man.

$"Jlny EN:

r LT;

be ENS

LT

_W LMULM:

Nbn rE

sht I/P€AH

AAIIRY'.PNENS;

g":'W(g)) rENS;

:a ITC; 'Jl\

'HT(MCS;

cwo2,raL

l21320l)9



fa./ g,

BE-Overnisht-UP BAH

earw) ): , i:ke iJ. l-rtmes cff after the XO briefs" you, as you are not supposed to know about this yet.

Btvr can ycl c ue the xo rn on thrs as a pnvacy issue? You approve an!,o1ly. you, the CDO of the day and the immediate

(.ocneeckr.rcw ENS.spaceinvader"doesnbtneedtoknowwhoHMCSishangingoutwith. Afterl9yearsofservice.

re iJeseives some prlvacy I dOn t even want to know who he's hanging out withl!

See you at dtnner


?:iW3tth9''. : UiTi i i;y,Subject: RE: Overnight I/PBAH r

-iakerrine off too, since I won't enter it anyway.


Commanding OfficerUSS Fort McHenrY (LSD 43)"Home of the Brave"F,O'rS 157-44:i 82i0

r'"'lp{0Al Lr

Sent: Monday, August 31,2009 4:47 PMTo: Stopyra, ChristoPher CDR

Subject: FW: Overnight VP BAH

11: s rnaKrng rt worse for us. Can I delete nly name from the table, since I am taking leave'?

Fto

ALCONAttached rs the overnight tiberty policy as approved by CTF 51- This is what we rnust adhere to. SUPPO's

crevious enrarl allows us to calture in one documeni tne requests so that the co can make the informed decision with full

{bttvJFrom:Sent;To:Subject:

Signed By:

&ttz:f LrMonday, nu-gust 31 2009 8:59 AM

Stopyra, ChristoPher CDR

,

i;.

l,

,,+3li;.i'-r



SA I need to brief the CO tonight after OPS/INTEL so that you all cen start making reservations.

approval. that ts)

' !.Vhat nrght do you desrre overnight?2 Whc isiare your lrberty buddres? - Need to add this field to the spreadsheet3 Hotel address/phone nunrber can be filled in before you depart the shrp.

R/XO

.:.: Filc: Scalrrrcd_.pdl' >>LCDR Bnan GoldschmidtXO. USS FORT MCHENRY (LSD 43)[email protected]_vv mrl (.smrl mil)currently away from homeport

(With the CO's

,\t.C()N,I'ltrase ust, thc link belorv to annotatc" whether or not you will request overnight liberty irr BAFI. Itlace an x on the da1,

( l-6r that )'ou ar(f requesting o/n libertv anc{ comple te the spreadsheet with location for overnightstay and a recall

rrunr[xrr. [)le"ase provic{c'-\rour input bt, 1500. I'hanks!

t.._l_\1rI tl\_l Sl lAl<lrl)\. Kl lAKl ()-N ttAI"l.rls>

V r'r', It,

t.t'Srrpply C)fficcr

USS IJOI('| MCI II]NIIY (LSD-43)

Irl'O AI: 09361t-173'l

I'() I S: 757--113-tt365

: l p])r-t1'-11 d { l. ll.!.}J-'JrLl

titil#:,*t1niffi;H#ris like'hol<tirrg arl ess. Grasp itoo righrly and ir wilt drip through your fingers; hold it.too

kroselv ancl it r'r ill clrop arrd break." - Ashanti proverb

:i

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...i:

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Epw]lFrom: [bt?lD : Lr

T

Sent: Tuesday. September 08, 2009 12'.44 AM

To; StoPYra, ChristoPher CDR

Subiect: RE: THANIdS .<--

srsneo B!,Y@JLU J )Listen stop trving to settle up Have you any idea how much it was worth to me NOT to have to walk to the bus

srcp in :re neat tfrrs past week or to never have to watt fcr a ride anywhere or to never have to worry that my

liber:.; DLjogy rs not gotng to let me do whatever I want. etc. for all that, it is I who owe you - BlG. lt all works out

in tre end thcugh doesn t it?

Now go sail your shiP


SenliTuesday.Segtember 08, 2009 8:32 AM

ro:lJlll[Qr J )irSubje&: RE: THAfiKS

Well. tet me give you the $10 for the cable and ai least half of the DVD player.

Comrnander C.M. StoPYra

Commanding OfficerUSS Fort McHenry (LSD 43)"Home of the Brave"Pl-;:S 7t"-a43-8250

,,o.",ffbf,-(.rJl,'-tent: TGday, Septdmber 08, 2009 8:31 AM


Subject: RE: THANKS

Corn21 Only the mini-mart was open, the NEX upstairs was closed. I had to do this ::; l)))))) to set vou the

cable How do you place a price on the priceless ???

[ne pc:rabte DVD rs a sharrng rtem I can actually use it on the TV in my room also on days when you are tres-

bus''' '' '

'ii';l' '-':i


frlsq Page I or'2

1Jj

I't

.a

.

rc)t?llThank you

I definrtely

for making the NEX run

owe you some coin

n;+'1009



Page 2 of 2

Commander C.M. StopyraCommanding OfficerUSS Fort McHenry (LSD 43)"Home of the Brave"POTS r-57-aa3-8250

II

I lr-l'1009



€no/Jl


i.t-.":',s packaoe v.,as cn Traino's desk at 1500 (Lhe lst one). As usual, anything Lhat has to:-::',':I',,e :rirn gets f 'd up. I can bring you a ccpy direcely.

- - - - -Original. Message-- -- -

From: SEopyra, ChristoPher CDR

seni:r-I4ednqsdav-september 09, 2oO9 8:24 PM

ro: LJPI LV J I LrSubj ect : RP:

ol:.

A lot depends on Eraining teams (where's the MTT package?) '

A-t I ha./e seen so far is the CSTT package'

i :i:: sa" ,,': ih ce::ta:nEy thaE at 2200 the door geLs a DND sign

Commander C.M. StoPYracommanding officerUSS Fort McHenry (LSD 43)"Home of che Brave"POTS: 757-443-8250

- - - - -Or.l--ginal-,Mesgage- -

From: eID J Ld1z J- \ : Lr

To: Scopyra, Christopher CDR

Subject: RE:

ll.i- I me when 'uou're ready (real-Ly ready - no interruptions)-----Original Message-----

"From: Stopyra, ChristroPher CDR

Sen!: -Wedn-es.dav, Septsember 09, 2009 8:05 PM

i;j &b^itu)-l LrSubi eEt :- RE :

Def ini cety

Commander C.M. SLopyraCommanding OfficerUSS ForE McHenry (LSD 43)

"Home of the BraverPOTS: 757-443-8250

- - - --Orrqrnai Messaqe-----

:;:l; f$,J"L.gDn."*i"i"or, 2oos -t :24 PM

To: SEopyra, Christopher CDR

Subj ecc :

Let's watch Phantom of the Opera on DVD tonight. You up for that?

V'tll{z]-\ 'rr

\rtEon-esoafi;eptember 09, 2009 12:25 PM

Stopyra, Christopher CDR

RE:

.',l

t. - '

', '

:



/*Jgc Pagerorr

(i3_ttttS;1 Lr

Saturday, Sefember 12.20Og 1:00 PM


we really shouldn't pick on the weak and /tarded

;,

,tIi

WXA: LT

From:

Sent:

To:

Subject:

sisnedr:, I{q{v)lLr [re\tu)-)Btw lust between us. I noticed that you still didn't ask You don't "drop me notes" - you ask me if I can spare my

cnly lstclass LPO for thrs task away from his regular mission oriented departmental tasking.

vou :a,r a)oirt r-re havrng bad form" and yet continue to display it on your end. lf you and Ops are having issues,you ,shouiil sroo worryrng about who gets cc'd on email and square yourselves away so that no one feels the need

tf, cc aryofte aoc;ut etther of you

I{rypr6v11

::Hk*kSL*. 12, zoos4: 13 PM

]; tKP-[?m.., Llu, respect

til,Kq#rkilXo specificatly mentioned HMI when we were tatking about people that do great art work. I

should have dropped you a note regarding the tasking. I did not intend for it to interfere with his duties.On a sep;i!'aie note rf you are going to try to call me out please do not rnclude your enlisted leadership and theCO XC i,' rl-e CC I have always tied to lrandle problems at the lowest level. Placing any issues the departmentneads n-ra i nave..wrth each to the other levels of the COC just shows bad form. I believe Ops is have the same

ff:.# ll_rrptt ty , had a problem with you I would come to you to address it. I would appreciate the same

Vlr

'-EkltkI

TolCc:

From

Subject: Professional respect

Good afternoon.

(/ll LrSeptember 12,2009 1:53 PM

JBrian CDR; Stopyra, Christopher CDR&141 HMcs

It seens we need a lesson rn professional respect. Since when did,Lge-cJqm{ok for you to task my only 1sr classLPO for a 1ob that you need by tomorrow without asking me first? 4 (O'LA I {aiting to do a spot check withHM1 and now is supposed to wait longer for a prop you knew you vldfe goinSJb need over a week ago?l.legalrve shrpmate Your last minute deadiine does not constitute an emergent tasker on my part or the part ofanyone on my staff. especrally not at the expense of the Medical Department's duties.

Ifvpur)ftffrI

1

lli-t12009



6rck? Page I of I

fp_)Lrrt LT

From:

Sent:


Subiect: RE: world's oreatest dad

sieneo By' t@Y(/)lNot in the mood. I haven't felt despair in a long time, but I have a big dose of it right now. You have an ineffective

xo now who needs mentoring badly, and we don't need the 3 stooges who can barely tread their own water to,.nove iip tc that position for 5 minutes. nevermind 5 days.

Enloy the stars. l'm going to bed.


*tET[uj$H'13'2ooe 6:53 PM

Subje-t: RE: wotld's greatest dad

GooC stars-very irttle light pollution.

My charr w,ll be open for a while

Commander C.M. StopyraCommanding OfficerUSS Fort McHenry (LSD 43)"Home of the Brave"POTS: 757443-8250

+

.

g?T' rkX9*D.'-], r, 2ooe 2 : 55 PM


Subject: world's greatest dad

Go to this link and send one of these items with the twilight dvd:

http://www.hottopic.com/hottopic/LicensedGear/NewMoon.jsp?cm-re=Homepage---Box+2---New+Moon

t

12t3t2009



/t /st Page r orr

From: ltU&it Lr

Sent: Wednesday,September 16, 2009 2:16 AM

To: Stopyra, ChristoPher CDR , .

Subject: RE: ..:sisnedBy: (iff&l]

t{o I -ealrr silent wrt all the insults, slander and inappropriate content of her email. I am perfect willing to get all

.rp rri tne f OE and Frat policies for a good counter argument, as well as call her out on other contents of her

ernar. But that would mean you, by virtue of the fact that you are the center of their jealousy, would get dragged

r'1 I don t want that for you That is all the silence I will offer, believe me.

I ar qurte su:'e that asrde from the 3 grrl DHs and CSCS, there are far more people on this ship that have a

iavoraore opinlor"r of me than her.


*il'*"ffdt',rTyo"' 15' 2ooe 1o:oe AM

Subject: RE:

Iiline to you as well.

Don t lre too abrupt lest you conftrm hearsay.

Keep doing your job well-advise me on health of the crew in all regards including perceptions

that I ask for from you. That is to say do not sit in the corner and remain largely silen!, Noppebenefits from that. Positive changes have come in a large part from perceptions that only,$st'

the damn doctor" can have, O

BTMi l'rn as bad an offender for going back to the pantry-we'll behave to not disrupt foodproductron

Commander C.M. StopyraComnranding OfficerUSS Fort McHenry (LSD 43)"Home of the Brave"I'OTS 757 143.t)250

'-"btLtzif.r

Sent: W-ednesday,Sptember 16, 2009 9:59 AMTo: Stopyra, Christopher CDR

Subject:

My srncerest apologies to you for any trouble I have caused as manifest by your Supply Officer email of''concerns

I will remain largely silent and in a corner to placate the jealous and insecure few so that no further inconveniencecomes your way.

:,

"ll'4i200()



En /t,t..

From:Sent:To:Cc:

Subject:

W*gP"l,l*ou, 16, 2ooe 2;5e AM

Hk"Sk');ifflc o n ; stopyra, c h ristop h er c D R

RE:Wardroom Etiquette

' ' , fp.rt"ik!'.t in w'iti.g f.r'a re.as'rr. 't'trat's all I have to say or1 this subject'ratter.

Thanks!

l', LCr\[ra51s,,pph-riii.-

"l'I- SS II( )I{T' MCI.I IJNI{\' (I,St ).43)

i:t,o AE 0956c)-1731

P() J'5: 757--143-t1365

su nrrtvr,rlsd{i. rravtt.nr il

surrrrr>,?i'lsti-l3.trat,v.sntil.trtil '

"'l'lre rr:s1:onsibilih, of }rorver i-s like holciirig (rn egg. Grasp it kro tightl_y and it w'ill r{rip through your fingers; hold it too

loost'lv arrd it rr'ill tllopr a1ld brcak.' - Aslrtrnti provt:rlr .: . r. .

Sent; Wednesday,-september 16, 2009 9:55 AM

rof-@ {-(pll , LrCc: Goldschmidt, Brian CDR; Stopyra, Christopher CDR

Subject: RE: Wardroom Etiquette

,.'tb{v)lThank you for your email. First, I did make my usual salad on the day the Commodore visited. Tlq Q.O-didn't wan[gne_ , _

tnat Oay. though I did offer. The CO is not spe'cial. I would do that foianyone who asked. Ask CSLWA9d DCFi lfbL(l)\- I have offered them as well, Second, I have a ponytail chit that I purchased 10 weeks ago from MWR fhatexpiresbn -/Sept 22"o. I interpreted the Commodore's visit as equivalent to being inport, so it was my call to put my hair up, though I 'was authorized to keep rt down if I wished. Lastly, I do not appreciate your slander/hearsay, so you better watch what you

p": in writirg

I am happy to oblige your requests regarding the galley. I invite you not to insult my food choices, as they aretar healthierthan anything you offer, whrch is a shame since you were placed in charge of the healthy menu choices portion of thel-:ealrh and Wellness Commrttee last year. I will address your other concerns in the near future. Right now, I actually haveresponsibilities to the combat readiness of this ship and do not have time to address all the inappropriate aspects of your

email

R/,i laotru)]

LT

16, 2009 9:25 AM

CDR; Stopyra, Christopher CDR

Subject: Wardroom Etiquette

tlmkp,thas [rec. brought to m;' attention that you have beerr using the gridc{le in the wR pantry to make

breakfast for vou ancl the CO in thc nrorrriug

i\ttr.nclants onlroartl. I'his is not ]'our hou-se.

f'here is a reason why we have Culinary Specialists arrd Food Service

I'his vessel belorrgs to the Navy. You belong to the Navy. There are rules



ancl regulations that must be ac{hered to. Walking around stating that you can do what you want, you can break the rules,

ii arryoire vglls at -\,ou, you'll just tell the CO, is rather unprofessional and imnrature. lt sends the wrong message to our.

junior sailors ancl-supports/confirms any perceprtion they have of what could be an unduly familiar relationship.

Aclclitiorrallr', it disrupts goocl order arrd discipline arrd sets a bad example to our crew.

I clor curr€ntl,"- in a ver-y, very aw'kw'ard positiorr - understand that I have observed the "inappropriateness" of all this for

qrrite sonre time, but have remained silent, convinced that it was all irrnocent. I can no longer ignore nor deny that this is ,

iirappropriate or that it cloes not promote a hostile working environmetrt. I have in'rplemented measures to deter the j

ricticulous salad nraking, enfry into the pantry, etc - all to no avail. My efforts are futile. At one point, I could say ttrat this

w,as all innocent ant{ due to naivetd, but when the Commodore was onboard two days ago - the salads were not made

and your hair was within regs.

Pkrase take the tinre to reac{ the following instructions, the Navy Policy on Equal Opportunitv, OPNAVINST 5354.1F and

thc l;raternization Policv, OPNAVINS'T 5370,2C. I

f)lcrase stay,out of the galley. You are rrot tlre Suppo/FSO, a CS, FSA, PMT, XO/CMC conducting messing and trcrthing,

or thc. (.O. I could understand if you were going back there once in a while, but every meal, disrupting the flow of food ,

;-rro<'lr.rction? - No. lf vou need something, ask the FSA's or the CS's for it.

I his is subrnitted for situational ar4'areness. T'rust me when I say, the entire crew is talking - all it takes is one phone call

.rnd our lives alc in havoc. 'l'his is simply rrre, Iooking out for the good of the Command.

I hanksl

lt.'

f 'ublulluppl)'(Jttrc(tr )uss FoR't ivrcl tENItY (LSD-43)

lr[,o AE 09569-173f i., i.i

I'O-IS: 757-4'13-8365 ''':

s ulr lrcritDls

cl.l3. rr a vl-. nr i l

suPpotqi;lsr,l43. nav.v.smil. nril'' lhe responsibilify of [lor4,er is like holcting an egg. Grasp it too tightly and it wilt ctrip through your fingers; hold it toolooselv antl it rvill clroP snsl break." - Ashanti proverb

,t''



6lcl ?Opage ! cr2


Subject: long, sorry

signed By, Eb LUI] -, i

I hate being right all the time. I also hate suppressing my need to square away a wrong when presented to me.

BUT, I am showing this to you first, before I send rt. And yes it is a permission seeker. You know that I have

always ano will always continue to support your decisions. Obviously, I am a bit myopic with anger today" But ifyou say no. then I won't send it. Promise.

ln response to your email this morning, my reply is in bold print.

,, reJLU'Good morning! lt has been brought to my attention that you have been using the griddle in the WR pantry tomake breakfast for you and the CO in the moming. There is a reason why we have Culinary Specialists and Food

!*:rvjce Aftendants onboard. This is not your house. T'his vessel belongs to the Navy. You belong to thq.Navy.

J'here are rules and regulations that must be adhered to.

(1) When I checked aboard this ship there was no indoctrination haining of any kind with respect toallowablc activity in the WR pantry. If there are, as you say "rules and regulatione that must beadhered to," than the Supply Department has failed in its responsibility to provide me training, oreven direction with respect to those rules until this belligerent email arrived today. You are correct, Ihave cooked breakfast a few times in the WR pantry, and not one of your staff rnembers has informedme that I was not allowed to do so, even though rnany of them had ample opportunity to do so at anytime.

(2) .l'hcreis no sign on either the Wardroom Pantry door or the door to the scullery that indicates who is

or is not allowed in those areas. I have a photograph of both these doors that I took today to refresh

your memory, There are, however, several other Supply spaces that do have such signs, and therefor.e,I have never entered those spaces. Thus, if you are looking to assign blame for my entering thg WRpantry, you ought to look in a minor.

Walking arourrd stating that you can do what you want, you can break the rules, if anyone yells at you. you'll just

tell the CO, is rather unprofessional arrd immature. lt sends thc *'rong message to our junior sailors and . .

suplx,rts../(onfirmsarrvperceptionthcylraveof whatcouldbeanunclulyfamiliarrelationship. Aclditionally,it'tiisruPt5 gocld rrrcler and cliscipline alrd seits a bat{ example to ourcrew.

'l-his above paragraph is pure stander. You have absolutety no personal knowledge that such has occurred. Iconsider this abiect character assassination, discrimination and outright seeds of a hosHle workingenvironment. The final blow is that your first attack is rnade public to the people who write my fitness report,

placing my career as a Naval Officer in jeopardy, , ,

I crrl currcntlv irr a vcr.\', verrv ar,r'kvr,ard F)osition - unclerstanri that I have observecl the "inappropriateness" of allthis for cluitc sontt tinre, but have renraincd silent, convinced tlrat it was all innocent. I can no longer ignore nordenv that this is inappropriate or that it does not promote a hostile working environment. I have implementedmeasures to deter the ridiculous salad making, entry into the pantry, etc - all to no avail, My efforb are futile. Atone point, I could say that this was all innocent and due to lraivet6, but when the Commodore was onboard two

davs ago - the salads were not made and your hair was rvithin regs.

Again, this above paragraph is a repeat affront to my characte4 and it is the first time EVER that you have said

t2i2|2009



Page? of}

anything to rne. That you waited so long to address an issue that has bothered you for sometime is not my

burden, it is yours. It is also factually incorrect. As I mentioned in my first response email, I did have a salad

for lunch. Also, I possess an MWR chit for my hair that expires on 22 September. The chit always me to wear

my hair in a ponytail whenever I choose. Once again, the slanderous statements and the hostility you have

shown me in this email are wrought with discrimination.

Pleast'tai,e tlrc tirnc to rctrcl tlrc follon ing irrstructions, thtr Navy Policy on Equal Opportunity, OPNAVINST5351. ll; arrcl tlrc l;rntcrnization Irolicy, OPNAVINS'I'5370.2C.

I have read thesr', thank you very muclr.

I'lease stav out of the galley. You are not the Suppo/FSO, a CS, FSA, PMT, XO/CMC conducting messing andberthing, or the CIC). I could understand if you were going back there once in a while, but every meal, disruptingthe flou' of food production? - No. If you need something, ask the F€A's or the CS's for it.

I am happy to comply with your rules, now that I have had my FIRST education as to what those rules are.

I'his is srrbmitted for situational awareness, 'l'rust me n'hen I say, the entire cre$' is talking - all it takes is one

phonc call artr'l our lives are in havoc. 'fhisis simply nre, looking out for the good of the Command.

I appreciate your concern for the Command,

I pledge to never again enter the Wardroom Pantry.I pledge to have my hair within regs after my chit runs out, unless MWR sells more chits.I ptedge to continue making "ridiculous" salads because they are HEALTHY, but will ask a CS or an FSA forany ingredients I need if they are available.I can rrrake rro pledge wrt the slander you put forth, sorry.

I believe this addresses your concerns, now this is what I expect from you:

(1) Under no circumstances is slander or hearsay allowed in written communication.(2) I'ut signs on the doors of the spaces you do not wish people to enter.(3) ('onduct training on things you think people should know. Didn't your lack of a training program ..

manife'st with respect to OPSEC and striped trash bags?(4) lf .you have a question about my hair or any other regulation you think I am ignoring, ask: There is a

1()0'l ,, ch.rnce I can show you that I am in the right.

You have your step I of 4,now I have mine.

rv '

t2t2t200e



En l 71 Page I or4

Goldschmidt,

From: @{

Brian CDR

V) rtSent: Sunday, Feplember20,2009 1'.27 AM

ro: IaDJLI4 4 ttCc: Stopyra, Christopher CDR; Goldschmidt, Brian CDR

Subject: RE: Wardroom Etiquette

,,l-(pJ(kD(loocl rtrornirrg! 'l'h?rrks for taking tlrr.' titne to address the concerns set forth in my initial email. It was

alrsolutelv Lnlleccssarv ... I clo not wtrnt to go lrack ancl fortlr on this matter. I have addressed your conrments

Lrcklr,*. Note. nrt,r:orurnertts in blr"re.

"lf l'm unwilling to use my name, there's reason to believe that my rnotive is to hurt, not to help." - IAL

I r'rskr'tl lr,l)ri$(rl rlht,n I scnt this irril.ial cnrail. I ri-skecl geiting resp(nrses Iike thc one you serrt btlow. However, I

still clrose to scnti it - that wa.s nrv struggle *,ith all of this. 'fhe risk I was taking. I have over a year leftonboarcl. I riskeicl having to use mv cotrtrectiotis to get off the slrip as soon as possible and screw up our (

and I) T'ltl-). I clitl not walrt to acldress this at.rll.

I ir,rtl rr' irrlt'rrtiorr trr dt'fanrr: r'orr [r1's(.n({ing this t:nrail. Ncrte, I lracl severtrl oPtiorrs on hort'this coultl be

arkllr.srt'r: .ln(l clr()s('to odtlrr'ss it tltts rvtrv. Also notc, tlrat lcoulrl havt IlCCled the chairr of conrnrand orCCeclthc \\ li liht. I lairro rlicl rergarr.linu l\ ll trainirrg.

I lrrncstir', I nrt',ln u t,ll. ll'-r'ou calr't stc that, I r.lolr't. ktton' r+'haI to sa,v. I apologize if you think that I t.rlas trying to

lrlast vtrrr irr lrrrnt of the th,rirr ol ctrttrttttrnd. No, that was not the ilrtent in CCing the Chain of Command. If.rl-\'one tleciclE's kr take, .lction arrcl lrring this up outside the chain of comnrand, we're all at rjsk - that was the

pu rl't()s().

ll; E@ )Ue)lSupplv Officc:r

USS i:OR'l' lvlCll-lF.N li\' 0.SD-13)I:l'o r\fi l!9569-1731

:l'O I'S: 757-{-t3-t1365

srr ppo(r,j lscl-l3.navv. rrr.i I

su ppoltDlsd43.navy.smil. m i I

'"I'he responsibility of lrower is like holcling an egg. Grasp it too tightty ancl it u,ill drip through your fingers; holdit too loosclv and it rvill c{rop and break," - Ashanti proverb

r,',,fJPrlPJl. r'trtt6'fdt'it*#*'20'

200e 7:12 AM

Cc: Stopyra, Chrfstopher CDR; Goldschmidt, Brian CDR 't

Subject: Wardroom Etiquette

Gc,orr rnorrrins r.'UQ.tbD

l2;2,200t)



Page 2 of 4

l'his is strbmitteci for sihrational awareness. In response'to your email, my reply is in bold print

't"Fk,)"!ryh* bee' brought to my attention that you have been using the gricldle in the wR Panhy to

t1ake. trreakfati-for yn, ancl the CO in the monring. There is a reason why.we have Culinary Specialists and Food

Service AtterrdatrLs onboar<l. This is not your house.'I'his

vessel belongs to the Navy.You belong to the Navy.

'fhure are rulc's and regulations that must be aclherecl to.

(1) When I checked aboard this ship there was no indoctrination training of any kind with respect to

allowable activity in the WR pantry. If there are "rules and regulations that must be adhered lo," no

training or verbaVwritten direction has been provided to me. You are correct, I have cooked breakfaet

a few times in the WR pantry, and not one of your staff members has informed me that I was not

altowed to do so, even though many of them had ample opportunity to do so at any tirne.

(2) 'fhere is no sign on either the Wardroom Pantry door or the door to the sculle4y that indicates who is

. or is not allowed in those areas. There are, however, several other Supply sPaces that do have such

signs, and therefore, I do not enter those spaces, except in the course of my duties as Heat Shess

Program Manager.

No, the CS's antl FSA'I ditl not nildress you; they acldressed thcir chain of cantnwd. 'fhst itr turn, led to nty

initial cnmil.You are con'ect, therc nre no srch signs. This beltsuior utas not exhibiteil-ft'om Noaembcr thru May .., didn'tthink there u,ns il need for tlnse sigtrs, Adtlitionally,l stnted that if it u,ere orrcc hr a while, I coulcl understand.

I u,ill, htnt,et,u', (rlsurc signs arc Trostecl this ev,eniug'

I do not think that assuming one should know the "rules and regulations" works well. The entire Command

saw that manifest in the lac-k of FSA training regarding OPSEC that lead to the JAGMAN investigation

regarding mishandling of burn bags,

Tltut tpttstt't tlue to a lack o.f FSA h'aining, but rathq a lack of trainittg for all hanils otboard. Additionally,yers<>ttnel slrculd ttot be sen,t TAD to S2M i/ they haac uot conplcteit Coumnnd htdoc trainhrg,

Walking arcuncl stating that you can clo what you want, you can break the rules, if anyone yells at you, you'll iust

tell the CO, is rather urrprofessional and immafure, It sends the wrong message to our junior sailors andsupports/confirms any perceptiorr they have of what could be an unduly familiar relationship. Additionally, itdisrupLs gootl order and discipline and sets a bad example to our crew.

This above paragraph is pure hearsay and libel. You have absolutely no personal knowledge that such has '

occurred. I consider this defamation, discrimination and outright seeds of a hostile working environrnent

The final blow is that your first attack is made public to the people who write my fitness rePolt, placing mycareer as a Naval Officer in ieopardy.

Yau nre correct, I hnpe no pet'sonal futozulcdgc that such has ocanred; only wi/riresses that state thet it did ocanI hauc tpitttcsscd, parsonally, other cortnnettts madc by yott wlrich nnke the aboae quite belieuable, I utill not

get into tletnils zurt those corrtntents as I do not utish to expend any ,norc thne or energy on this subject.

DcJinnatiott aud discrinitratioti ' Attack is nmde ltublic to thc people wlrc write ury fihrcss tcport." Please reacl

qour initial resportse to nty emnil. Ntt cortmrert.

I anr cu rrentlv in a very, very awkwarci position - understand that I have observed the "inappropriateness" of all

this for quite sonre tinre, buf have remained silent, convinced that it was all innocent, I can no longbr ignore noi,clc'nv that thi,s is inappropriate or that it does not prornote a hostile working environnrenl J have inrplemented

nreasure.s to dnter the ridiculous salad making, enhy into the pantry, etc -.all to no avail. My efforts are futile. Atone proint, I could say that this was all innocent and due to naivet6, but when the Commodore w.$ onboard two

cla.\'"s ago - tlre salads were not made and your hair was within regs.

Again, this above paragraph is a repeat affront to my chaiacter, and it is the first time EVER that yori have said

anything to me. That you waited so long to address an issue that has bothered you for sometime is not my

t2,!2i2009

:



Page 3 of4

burden, it is yours. It is also factually incorrect. As I mentioned in my first response email, I did have a sal,ad

for lunch. Also, I possess an MWR chit for my hair that expires on 22 September. The chit always me to wear

my hair in a ponytail whenever I choose.

Agrtirt, I did uot utnnt to aeldress this at all Note, I stat'eil "saltttls," ttot "saled."

Pleasc takc the tinre to read the following instructions, the Navy Policy on Equal Opportunity, OPNAVINST

535+.1F and the Fratc'rniz.ation Policy, OPNAVINST 5370.2C.

I have read these, thank you very much. I am not sure what entry into the pantry has to do with equalopportunity or fraternization.. And preparing food for another person is, where I come from, considered

polite, not fraternizing or an affront to anyone else's equal opportunity. I have also been known to wipedown the tables in the wardroom after dinner, bus my own dishes (always) and iron my t-shirts. All these

things do the same thing for me - prevent home sickness, as these are activities I do at home. Perhaps youshould ask me why I do what I do, and give me the opportunity to explain myself. If it continues to botheryou or if it violates some rule I am unaware of, that can be corrected.

Yott lttti,t reni lht, ittstructiatrs; tlrcrqfote, I hape nothing fin'tltct' to say ott this.

Please stay out of the galley. You are not the Suppo/Fff), a CS, FSA, PMT, XO/CMC conducting messing andbe.rthing, or the CO. I could understand if you were going back there once in a while, but every meal, diirupting ,

the florv of food prroduction? - No. If you need something, ask the FSA's or the CS's for it.

I am happy to comply with your rules, now that I have had my initial education as to what those rules are.

As slated be.fore, this ltehnuior iltss rrot exhibited previously eoen dnrhtg our uttdcnt ay periods ilr lanuary,Februtrv ntul ilf urch.

I am obliged to remind you that I am authorized to enter the galley. As the Heat Stress Program Manager, Iam allowed in the galley and any other place on this ship fhat is designated by the Industrial Hygiene S-un'e;r

to be an area at risk for heat stress.

Absolutelq.

This is subtnittecl for situational awareness. Trust me when I say, the entire crew is talking - all it takes is onephorrc call ;rnd our Iives are in havoc. This is simply me, looking out for tlre good of the Cornmand.

I appreciate your concern for the Command.

I pledge to never again enter the Wardroom Pantry, except under my duties as Heat Skess Program Manager.I pledge to have my hair within regs #ter my chit runs out, unless MWR sells more chits.I pledge to continue making "ridiculous" salads because they are HEALTHY, but will ask a CS or an FSA forany ingredients I need if they are available. I statcd in nty enuil, "ridiculotrs salad nnking," not "ridicaloussnlnd."

I can make no pledge with respect to the defamatory/hearsay statements you put forth, sorry,

.A.gtrtt. rtrt irttr:u ! lo 'lt.fiurtt. Plcast do tto! takt: it thnt iLttlJ/,

I believe this addresses your concerns put forth in this letter, and I propose the following for you:

Under no circumstances is Iibel/slander or hearsay allowed in writteny'verbal communicaHon. This zuns notslandsflibel.Put signs on the doors of the spaces you do not wish people to enter. TIrcy utill be posted this eoeuhtg,

Conduct haining on things you think people should know. No conmrcnt lrcre,

.i ,'r!

l

iI'

-

;-, i

iilr'!'

j

12t2i2009



Page 4 of 4

lf you have a question about my hair or any other regulation you think I am ignoring or anything about me

that concerns you, just ask, I am happy to explain.lf you are aware of any other people who have issues with me, send them to me. Don't let gossip and bad

feelings stew. The best way to resolve any issue is through direcL honest and upfront comrnunication f senf

this email to stop the gossip and the bad feeliltgs. 'nTlhere is no poittt in talking about a nntter to people who

catntot tlo nnrlthing alnut it."

I am hoping we can resolve our concerns at the lowest level possible, as like you, I am looking out for thegood of the Command. If you would like to have a discussion with an impartial third party, we can certainlyinvolve the CMEO.

I will query you in writing in 2 weeks so that I can ascertain whether I have satisfied your concerns, and I wiIIprovide you written feedback as to whether you have satisfied mine.No need, Tlris is beilry blotutt out of proportiott

I look forward to continuing our productive, professional working relationship.

As do l. I lrope thst utc cltt tttote ou frotn this, I toould like to pnt all of this behinil mc. Thanks!

lY tG2'rcurl

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From: [b\Ltz)] ,-t

Sent: Saturday, September 26,20091:00 AM

To: Stopyra. Christopher CDR

SubJect RE: RE UR CALL

Signed By: [email protected]

No, I lust wanted to let you know that my computer is still non functional.things. and I was trying to tell you to send them on the SIPR side for now.Pharmacy. Eeewww. I can't remember the last time you called me "Doc".

You send me email messages for manyBut, at the moment, I am in theI don't like it.

i.:t


*lt?j'Jt1rg'iT*'26, zaos e : 58 AM

Subject:RE UR CALL

Doc:

Sorry I couldn't hear your call.

ls there something I can help with?

Commander C.M. StopyraCommanding OfficerUSS Fort McHenry (LSD 43)"Home of the Brave"pcTs 757443-8250

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sisned Br. U@{UJJWhat's up with the over-achiever train pulling into station so early? Messing with our rnorning meditatlon.:.,:;....:.l'mgoingtothepantryat0500tomakecoffee. CanyoujusttellthelGtobackoffifshestartsbitchingabor{ir?

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to:

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From: StoPYra, ChristoPher CDR

Sent: FridaY, October 30, 2009 2:56 AM

]":. Ugl{11DSubiect: :)

4 t^tt\l

',Good post work-out@Jtq said the dripping wet man with no shirt'

,,Time for a shower," he thought as he made a pool of water on the deck by his

desk. : ,.,,,

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"but a field trip wOuld be fun," he mUsed. "Oh' Well,'l he smiled

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HeiLo. we're back. Thank you very much for ghe driver, he was very helpful to me in aplace where clothing choices are scarce.

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From:

Sent:

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Kb{121""Tuesday, November 03, 2009 4:18 AM


Subject: RE:

sisnedBy: Eblt1/Dl'll be right up. Side.


*r :ru1r653'3'2ooe 11 : 17 AM

Subject: RE:

No, but if the doctor came to check on me it would be nice @

Cornmander C.M. StopyraCommanding OfficerUSS Fort McHenry (LSD 43)"Home of the Brave"POTS: 757a43-8250

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t.',fb{fuJl LrSent: Tuesday, Nof,ember 03, 2009 11:00 AM


Stubject:

Do you need recovery time from your spot check???

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fiulffteror3


From:

Sent:

To:

UDtrUtI LT

Tlursday, Ndvember 05, 2009 7:58 AM


Subject: RE: GOOD WORKOUT?

Sisned ay, t@-\-P))

Nolwasn'twickedsmaat,butlamnow........XOshouldhavehisshin-digonnight3. Wecan'tstayovernight,but we can go out to dinner. Grves us maximum flexibility with the visit overall. And people won't go overboardon the drinks knowing they have to work the next day. Saves him some money, which is good for a guysupporting a family of 5. everyone wins.

HOW smaat am I now???? That's definitely worth some suggestive advertising.


trlt(fflu'a5-mbero5' 2ooe 2:40 PM

su bjel&-,. ne :'cofo woRKour?

That's because you're wicked-smart (pronounced smaat).

Commander C.M. StopyraCommanding OfficerUSS Fort McHenry (LSD 43)"Home of the Brave"POTS 757-443-8250

r,o,,ffpf{ V} ttSent: Thtrsoa"V, ltoverhOer 05, 2009 2:34 PM


Subject: RE: GOOD WORKOUT?

You know, I was just thinking..........with the amount that we email converse, I hope you get yourself a cell phonewith a qwerty keyboard and unlimited telting when you get home, I'm sure there are lots of 2 or 3 for one ,

specials so everyone at home wins. Good Christmas idea ? as is a new digital camera. Just call me mrs.Claus.........

,


trl&l$(3$Stvemberos, 2ooe 2 :32 PM

Subledt: RE: GO@ WORKOUT?

OK. Set some expectations and answered some guestions.

ommander C.M. StopyraCommanding OfficerUSS Fort McHenry (LSD 43)"Home of the Brave"

12z,t2009

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Page 3 of3

Hi. Very good. Split session of weights and cardio. I'm look at the website you sent. I like the 9ui 9f the wayptace, buf that will only be good for 1 night, as the other is occupied with the wetting down. l'm looking at Ci$

central b+bs for night 1, but I think l'm going to look at hotels next. The out of the way place seems like itsgreatest assets will be (1) gethng away from the kids and (2) the drive.

Frcm: Stopyra, Christopher CDR

Sent: _Thupday, November 05, 2009 2:19 PM

H,K,.)["VJh*f[o,,,.',

How was the workout session?

I'm thinking of mile equivalents O

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From: WiL7lJ Lr

Sent: Sunday, November 08, 2009 3:28 AM


Subiect: RE: LUNCH?

t'n"* tr,, t{ciL?)]This is a very cute email I

Lunch anytime. However, if you're going to pick on me or nag me for anything, l'd prefer to eat alone. @


trl@-tusr:T?'r

o8' 2ooe 1 1 : 18 AM

Subiectr LUNCH?

U@rLtrflI want to coordinate so we're at the same big kids'table.

O "Ott € Like this

\Men do you want to go to lunch?

L'i

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Ftvl Sd Page I or2


From: Ulcf,Vlf ,-r

Sent: Tuesday, November24,2009 12:47 AM


Subject: RE: Admin Reviews During TRANSLANT

sisned By: . Etb{.V)].....butterflies kisses.....dark chocoiate....red wine..,...

.......making lemonade... ....

Feelbetter... . ..


Sent: Tuesday, November 24,10-09 6:45 AM

ro: Stopyra, ihristopner cDry Uh-['k][, , LrJGCc: Goldschmidt, Brian CDR; _Department HeadsSubject: RE: Admin Reviews During TMNSLANT

Train-O:

This isn't a F-n rhetorical question.

When, prior to 26 NOV will you be ready to show rne?

CDR C.M. StopyraCommanding OfficerUSS Fort McHenry (LSD 43)

"Home of the Brave"

POTS 757-443.8250

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SentlMonday.-November 23, 2009 11:05 AM

roz LLbWJ) LrJG

Cc: Goldschmidt, Brian CDR; _Department Heads

Subject: FW: Admin Reviews During TMNSLANT

Let me know prior to 26 NOV when you will show me all below.

R/

Y

To: _Department Heads; Goldschmidt, Brian CDR; Stopyra, Christopher CDR

Subject: Admin Reviews During TMNSLANT

Alr-

12:2i2009



5rc/€/ Page I orl



Sent: Thursday, November 26, 2009 1 1:45 AM

ro: Vrot-rail .rSubject: RE: 9 MILE tl6te-not hungry

Ithought you would like it. I do.

CDR C.M. StopyraCommanding OfficerUSS Fort McHenry (LSD 43)"Home of the Brave"

POTS: 757-a43-8250

F;"tr6,J[vJ) .'Sent: Thursday, Nofember 26,20019 5:43 PM


Subject: RE: 9 MILE HOLE-not hungry

Love my blond hair... . ..

l'm hungry. lf the food is any good, l'm eating twice. @

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;I,ThffEi[UTT'26,zooe 5:41 PM

sublect: 9 MILE HOLE-:not hungry

Ok, I ran 9 miles. Now I'm not hungry. Thirsty, Yes. Hungry, no.

st(9r'o

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Sent: Monday, November 30,2009 6:18 AM

ro: fh{(z\Subject: RE:TOTMTY

I'll be right down. €

'-"Uq{-trjf ;;Sent: Monoay, Novfmber 30,2009 8:17 AM


Subject: RE: TOTMTY

Not yet, but I have a tampon with your name on it. you can use it as a coffee stirrer O


Senfii"[4op/9y,J{cvember 30, 2009 7:15 AM

ro: f[p\-@JJ: rsublecr: RE: ToTMTY

Ch. Have you had a number of "Vagisil" customers this morning?

. '

r',.J'Iii;

}J. irSent: Monday, Nov'ember 30, 2009 7:56 AM


Subject: RE: TOTMTY

Good morning to you tool I'm in main bds using SAMS.

Flom: Stopyra, Christopher CDR

Sent:Jlo-nday" November 30, 2009 6:50 AM

ro, L{pf,(/T-1 ,-

Subiect: TOTMTY"

[b{.tzttGood morning.

'tt fiiyi) /-\v\r'

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(b{-tzs1 Lr

Sent: Wednesday, December 02,2009 6:32 AM

To: StoPYra, ChristoPher CDR

SubJect: RE:

sisned By, 'y@lJfi4b , ,ni!

By what other means?


SenlliWeCpesdly, December 02, 2009 7:32 AM

ro:W'W2J l: lrSubject: RE: -/

Not by e-mail.

,r" .WIoNVJf rtScnt: ffinesday, D6ember 02, 2009 7:26 AM


Subject: RE:

Can't top that

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Sentij{erlngd4qDecember 02, 2009 7 225 AM

ro:

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Subject: RE:

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t2/2i2009



Commanding OfficerCDR Christopher Stopyra

Commander Christopher M. Stopyra is a native of

Howell, N.J. Aftergraduating

from Freehold TownshipHigh School, he attended the United States Naval

Academy and was commissioned as an active duty naval

officer nMay 1992.

Commander Stopyra's first assignment was as

Auxiliaries Offrcer, then Main Propulsion Assistant

aboard USS TORTUGA (LSD 46), where he deployedto

the 5ft and 66 Fleet areas of operations. He then

reporred ro COMNAVSURFGRU and COMPHIBGRUTWO in Little Creek, Va. as Officer in Charge of the

Engineering Readiness Assist Team (ERAT).

Commander Stopyra's first shore tour was as aninstructor at the Surface Warfare Officers School in Neurport, R.I. After completing

deparftnent head school, he reported to USS ASHLAND (LSD 48) as the Operations

Officer, deploying again to the 6ft Fleet in support of the CNO's theater engagement

plan. Following his tour on ASHLAND, he was assigned to COMPHIBRON EIGHT as

Operations (N3) and Plans (N5) Offrcer, deploying with the BATAAN ARG and 26thMEU in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

1n2002, Commander Stopyra accepted orders for duty under instruction at the U.S. NavalWar College, Newporl R.I., where he completed Joint Professional Military EducatignPhase I and received his Master's degree in National Security and Strategic Studies. ln.his following tour, he served as the Executive Officer aboard USS CARTER

HALL(LSD 50). In September 2005, he reported for duty on the staffof the Chief of NavalOpe'rations Executive Panel, a Federal Advisory Comrniuee Act panel. While atached tothe CNO's staff, Commander Stopyra completed an individual augment (LA) tour as.thealternate commanding officer for the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Afighanistaq,and was promoted to the rank of commander in May 2008.

Commander Stopyra took command of the USS FORT MCHENRY (LSD 43) in May2009, deploying once again to the 5s areas with BATAAII

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fort mchenry command investigation

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