Navy helicopter squadron commander arrested for rape

A Naval officer in command of a US helicopter squadron in Guam was arrested in California Monday on two felony charges of attempted rape and assault.

According to Pacific Daily News, 39-year-old Commander John M. Neuhart II was arrested in San Diego earlier this week on two felony charges of attempted rape and assault. He is currently being held in the San Diego Central Jail.

Naval Air Forces Pacific spokeswoman CDR Jeannie Groeneveld confirmed that the US Navy is fully cooperating with law enforcement, but that no further details could be provided due to the nature of an active investigation.

Neuhart was booked around 3PM on September 12th and is currently being held on a $100,000 bail. He is due for a court hearing on September 19th.

According to a military website, Neuhart -who goes by the call sign “Spike”- received his commission from Ohio State University’s ROTC program in 2000. By 2002, he had earned his wings.

Neuhart has logged over 36 combat missions in Iraq and is credited with multiple rescues. His personal awards include (but are not limited to) the Strike Flight Air Medal; Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal; Joint Service Achievement Medal; Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various other awards.