U.S. Navy Tightens Transfer Rules for Sailors Under Sexual Assault Investigation

The U.S. Navy has revised its personnel transfer policy to require that sailors under investigation for sexual assault or stalking be temporarily transferred only to shore commands. Commanders must coordinate any such transfers with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the appropriate law‑enforcement agency, Sexual Assault Response Coordinators, and relevant commanding officers.

The change follows a Navy review triggered by the 2025 murder of Petty Officer 3rd Class Angelina Resendiz, who was killed by fellow Sailor Jermiah Copeland while assigned to the destroyer USS James E. Williams. Copeland was sentenced to 44 years in prison after pleading guilty to unpremeditated murder and related offenses. The new policy aligns with broader Department of Defense directives that mandate explicit approval before moving personnel accused of sexual assault, aiming to preserve investigative integrity and protect victims.

The updated guidance was issued in a recent NAVADMIN by the Chief of Naval Personnel.