The U.S. Navy has relieved the leaders aboard the USS Connecticut, a nuclear submarine that crashed into an “uncharted seamount” last month, of their command.
A spokesperson for the 7th Fleet told the Washington Examiner on Thursday that Vice Adm. Karl Thomas, commander of the fleet, relieved Cmdr. Cameron Aljilani as commanding officer, Lt. Cmdr. Patrick Cashin as executive officer, and Master Chief Sonar Technician Cory Rodgers as chief of the boat.
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Thomas, according to the spokesperson, concluded that the Oct. 2 collision in the Indo-Pacific region “could have [been] prevented” with “sound judgment, prudent decision-making and adherence to required procedures in navigation planning.”
Capt. John Witte will assume duties as interim commanding officer, while Cmdr. Joe Sammur will assume duties as interim executive officer, and Command Master Chief Paul Walters will assume duties as interim chief of the boat.
The personnel changes were announced days after the fleet “determined that Connecticut grounded on an uncharted seamount while operating in international waters in the Indo-Pacific region.”
No sailors sustained any life-threatening injuries, though two service members suffered moderate injuries described as “bumps, bruises, and lacerations.”
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The USS Connecticut is currently in Guam undergoing a damage assessment and will return to Bremerton, Washington, for repairs, according to the fleet.
