Posted on: Saturday, March 26, 2005

Hawai'i-based Army commander relieved

By William Cole
Advertiser Military Writer

The commander of the 2nd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment out of Hawai'i was relieved of command in Afghanistan on March 14, the Army said.

Lt. Col. Steve Brown's removal was the result of his "individual actions that violated military regulation," Schofield Barracks spokeswoman Capt. Kathy Turner said.

No additional details regarding the removal were provided. Brown is retiring from the Army next month, and no further action is anticipated, Turner said.

Brown was replaced by Lt. Col. Frank Tate. The 2nd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment will continue to serve in Afghanistan through mid-April, although some soldiers have returned to Hawai'i.

About 1,000 Hawai'i soldiers returned from Afghanistan several weeks ago from about a half-dozen units. About 5,800 soldiers deployed to the country a year ago.

The 25th Infantry Division (Light) had about 30 Black Hawk, 10 Chinook, and 15 Kiowa Warrior helicopters in Afghanistan, officials said previously.