Acting Undersecretary of the Navy Resigns Over Affair

Acting Undersecretary of the Navy Robert Martinage was asked to resign by Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus after it was learned the No. 2 civilian in the Navy was having an affair with a female subordinate.

The Navy released a statement Wednesday saying that the undersecretary was asked to resign because of "a loss of confidence in Martinage's abilities to effectively perform his duties," Stars and Stripes reported.

But a Navy official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the resignation was over "an inappropriate relationship" Martinage was having.

Martinage also worked as deputy undersecretary for Policy, Plans, Oversight, and Integration. He resigned from both posts Tuesday, the official said.

He was supposed to work as Navy undersecretary until Jo Ann Rooney, President Barack Obama's nominee for the position, was confirmed by the Senate. Her nomination was approved by a Senate committee Jan. 9.

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