Number 2 Nuke Commander Tim Giardina Suspended Amidst Gambling Probe (Updated)
A senior defense official has confirmed that Vice Admiral Tim Giardina was suspended from his duties earlier this month following a probe into gambling offenses. The U.S. Navy vice admiral is second in command of U.S. Strategic Command.
We have an important update on this story as it has come to light that the investigation involves Giardina's suspected role in a casino scandal that involved “a significant monetary amount” of counterfeit gambling chips at a Western Iowa casino.
The NCIS investigation began in July with Giardina’s suspension occurring on September 3, according to the command's top spokeswoman, Navy Capt. Pamela Kunze. The action was only made public Saturday (September 28, 2013). Few addional details were provided and the investigation is ongoing but Gambling911.com will continue to monitor this story and report the latest information as it comes in.
Air Force Gen. Robert Kehler, who heads Strategic Command, suspended the deputy commander, and has recommended to Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel that Giardina be reassigned
Giardina remains at STRATCOM near Omaha, Nebraska, pending reassignment. He is prohibited from performing any duties related to nuclear weapons or security issues.
- Jagajeet Chiba, Gambling911.com
