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Naval Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Michael Borgschulte on Monday took responsibility for firing Commandant Gilbert Clark , saying Clark was not upholding the academy’s standards and “had to be removed.”

The comments marked the first time the superintendent addressed the removal publicly.

Addressing the school’s board of visitors, Borgschulte acknowledged that in his brief time as superintendent, he had encountered other major challenges, including the suicide of a midshipman , a shooting on campus and the impact of the government shutdown.

Borgschulte was sworn in as superintendent in August , replacing Vice Adm. Yvette Davids.

“I’m 3 1/2 months into this, and we’ve had some high highs,” Borgschulte said — pointing to the noted For

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