Commander of the Australian Navy's most lethal warship is stood down over ... trends now
The commander of Australia's most lethal warship has been stood down following an allegedly drunken incident that caused international embarrassment for the navy.
Commander Kingsley Scarce was relieved of his command of HMAS Brisbane - Australia's most lethal warship - last September.
The $3billion guided missile destroyer was docked in Cairns at the time and an internal complaint was made against him from within the ADF.
Commander Scarce was accused of drinking alcohol to excess while at sea and embarrassing Australia at an international event involving US defence personnel.
The allegations were reportedly so serious that Commander Scarce was stood down straight away and an interim replacement was installed.
Five months later, the ADF is still investigating the issue, though 9News was told that a court martial is not expected even if the allegations are found to be true.
The Australian Defence Force has been rocked by allegations of a drunken episode that caused international embarrassment to the Navy. HMAS Brisbane is pictured
The complaint against Commander Scarce, who is the son of former South Australian governor Kevin Scarce, came after his alleged conduct was reported to Commodore Mick Harris, Australia's Director General of Maritime Operations.
In 2023, following the Brereton war crimes report, the ADF banned drinking alcohol on operations or exercises.
Consuming alcohol in 'non-war-like operations' is limited to two drinks, but that is only with approval and on national holidays.
Last August, the month before Commander Scarce was suspended, HMAS Brisbane took part in Malabar, a naval exercise that also included US, Japanese and Indian forces.
In an interview at the time, he said 'One good thing about exercises like Malabar is that we
