(PatriotPostNews.com) – The captain of a United States submarine was recently dismissed from his job, with the American Navy citing a “loss of confidence” in the captain’s capabilities related to professional requirements.
In a January 15 statement, the United States Navy announced the removal of Captain Geoffry Patterson, who was previously in charge of the USS Georgia Blue Crew. The statement emphasizes the stipulation that commanding Navy officers must be “held to high standards” both professionally and personally. Should officials “fall short” of the standards, the military branch “holds them accountable.”
The Navy did not specify the exact reason for Patterson’s removal but assured the public that “no impact to operations” would result from the change. Lt Spencer Marion provided a statement to Newsweek, saying that his colleague’s removal was being followed up with “an investigation.”
However, the military official noted that the Navy will not provide comment on active investigations, per a branch policy. During the investigation Patterson has been given reassignment to a different submarine group.
According to the Camden County Sheriff’s Office—which encompasses the home port of the USS Georgia in King’s Bay—Patterson was arrested on January 9. The charges brought against him included driving under the influence as well as illegal lane changes. He was released via bond after paying over $1,800.
The USS Georgia’s blue crew was given to Patterson’s management in May 2022, a few months prior to the end of the sub’s last deployment the following September. Since the arrest and removal of Patterson, the submarine is under the new command of the Navy’s Capt. Christopher Osborn, who is responsible for the ship’s gold crew.
The Ohio-class submarine is capable of carrying up to 154 missiles designed for land attacks. It is operated by a 15-officer crew and is one of four boats of its kind in use by the American military. Although its current home port is in Georgia’s King’s Bay, the submarine was previously kept in Norfolk, Virginia.
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