The commander of the US Navy in Australia, Colonel James Schnelle, released from his duties for driving under the influence of alcohol

DARWIN, Australia – The commander of more than 1500 US Marines from North Australia has been relieved of his duties after the police caught him driving under the influence of alcohol, announced Monday the Marine Corps. Colonel James Schnelle, 48, pleaded guilty in Darwin Local Court Monday for driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.102 percent after his breath was examined by police in the early hours of Sunday. The reading was more than double the legal limit of 0.05% in Australia.

The Navy's rotating force commander at Darwin was "removed from office on September 30 due to a loss of confidence and trust," said US Lieutenant David Mancilla in a statement.

Schnelle then issued a statement that "an extremely poor personal decision" should not overshadow the important achievements of the last rotation of the Marines.

"A solid foundation is established, at the tactical, operational and strategic levels, the future is ripe for continued growth," Schnelle said.

Lieutenant-Colonel Jeramy Brady will be the officer in charge for the duration of the rotation, said Mancilla.

Schnelle's driving license was suspended for six months and a fine of 500 Australian dollars ($ 353) was imposed.

Magistrate Greg Cavanagh has not registered a conviction because of Schnelle's good character and the absence of prior offenses. Magistrates have the discretion to spare first offenders with a criminal record in exceptional circumstances.

Schnelle was drinking in a bar at Mitchell Street's Darwin nightclub and was traveling to his nearby home after being arrested for a random breath test.

He reported to Lieutenant-General Lewis Craparotta, commander of the Hawaii-based Pacific Naval Forces, and the commanding general of the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force, Lieutenant-General Eric Smith, about four hours later. They called him "to relieve him of his command," said Schnelle's attorney in court.

US military forces have been stationed in Darwin through a naval rotation force since 2012 as part of the pivotal government of President Barack Obama in Asia. The figures will eventually reach 2,500 Marines.

Marines based in Darwin are subject to curfews and are allowed to take leave only in small groups to reduce the risk of social disruption in the city, which has 140,000 inhabitants.

The largest contingent of Marines arrived in Darwin for six months in April. On Monday, a Marine spokesman did not immediately answer the question of when the 1,587 Marines were to leave.