Army Appoints General to Lead Probe Into Bergdahl's Capture

The American Forces Press Service released the below:

WASHINGTON, June 16, 2014 - The Army has appointed a general officer with Afghanistan combat experience to lead its investigation into the facts and circumstances surrounding the disappearance and capture of Sgt. Bowe R. Bergdahl from Combat Outpost Mest-Lalak in Afghanistan's Paktika province on or about June 30, 2009.

In a statement released today, Army officials said Maj. Gen. Kenneth R. Dahl will lead the investigation.

The primary function of this investigation, as in any other investigation, officials said, is to ascertain facts and report them to the appointing authority, officials said in the statement.

"These types of investigations are not uncommon and serve to establish the facts on the ground following an incident. The investigating officer will have access to previously gathered documentary evidence, including the 2009 investigation," officials added.

The statement emphasized that the Army's top priority remains Bergdahl's health and reintegration.

"We ask that everyone respect the time and privacy necessary to accomplish the objectives of the last phase of reintegration," the statement said. No timeline has been established for the investigation, officials said, noting that he investigating officer will not interview Bergdahl until the reintegration team clears such interaction.

U.S. Navy Appoints Investigating Officer To Look At Deadly Shooting Aboard USS Mahan At Norfolk Naval Base

The U.S. Fleet Forces Command Public Affairs Office released the below information:

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Adm. Bill Gortney, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command appointed Rear Adm. Jeffrey Harley to lead an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deadly shooting aboard USS Mahan (DDG 72) at Naval Station Norfolk March 24.

Harley is currently serving as the president, Board of Inspection and Survey based in Norfolk.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and shipmates of our sailor who was killed Monday night," said Gortney. "I have directed a second investigation to be conducted in addition to the law enforcement investigation led by Naval Criminal Investigative Service."

The second investigation will be convened under the Manual of the Judge Advocate General. This investigation will be a comprehensive examination into the circumstances surrounding the Naval Station Norfolk shooting, to include a review of applicable policy, programs and implementation.

"The safety and security of our sailors, civilians and families is paramount, and it is imperative that we are taking all appropriate and necessary measures to ensure their safety," said Gortney.