ADMIRAL RELIEVED OF COMMAND FOR LYING ABOUT ADULTEROUS AFFAIR.(MAIN)

Byline: Associated Press

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. commander of land-based naval air forces in the Mediterranean region was relieved of his duties Monday and given a letter of reprimand for having an alleged extramarital affair and lying about it.

The action against Rear Adm. Paul ``Scott'' Semko, 50, was taken by Adm. James O. Ellis Jr., commander in chief of allied forces, Southern Europe, in a non-judicial proceeding at Ellis' headquarters in Naples, Italy, said Capt. Stephen Honda, spokesman for U.S. Naval Forces Europe.

Semko …