The US Navy has fired the commanding officer of the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG-87), citing a “loss of confidence” in his ability to command, according to the service.
The decision was made by Rear Admiral Alexis T. Walker, commander of Carrier Strike Group 10. Captain Chavius G. Lewis has been temporarily reassigned to Commander, Naval Surface Group Southeast.
Captain Kevin Hoffman has assumed duties as the ship’s commanding officer, with the Navy stating the leadership change will not affect USS Mason’s operational schedule.
USS Mason is an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer homeported at Naval Station Mayport, Florida, and assigned to the US 2nd Fleet. The ship was taking part in Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), a pre-deployment certification exercise designed to prepare ships and strike groups for operational deployment, at the time of the decision.
The US Navy did not provide further details regarding the circumstances behind the removal, but said: “The Navy maintains the highest standards for leaders and holds them accountable when those standards are not met.”
Arleigh Burke-class destroyers form the backbone of the US Navy’s surface combatant fleet, providing air defence, strike, and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. USS Mason is equipped with the Aegis combat system and carries a range of weapons through its vertical launch system, including surface-to-air and cruise missiles.
The U.S. Navy said the relief does not impact the ship’s mission or deployment preparations.
Fired from a five inch 🤔 or MK.41 🚀?
Mark 36 SRBOC
How long till we start seeing political officers in the US armed forces.
The us really doesn’t seem to have confidence in it’s officers does it