WASHINGTON, Feb 14: The US navy on Thursday announced the dismissal of the commander of the USS Kitty Hawk aircraft carrier battle group after it was determined that “he had engaged in an improper relationship with a female naval officer”.

The US Navy Seventh Fleet, based in Yokosuka, Japan, said Rear Adm. Steven Kunkle was dismissed because of a loss of confidence in his ability to command.

The Kitty Hawk has been deployed to the Gulf region for a possible war with Iraq.—Reuters