US Navy dismisses commanding officer of USS Mason due to ‘loss of confidence’
The United States Navy announced on Friday the dismissal of the commanding officer of the destroyer USS Mason (DDG-87). Captain Chavius Lewis he was relieved of command by decision of the rear admiral Alexis Walkercommander of Carrier Strike Group 10, “due to loss of confidence in his command abilities,” the official statement said.
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As is typical in such announcements, the Navy did not release additional details about the specific reasons for the decision. The statement emphasized that the institution “maintains the highest standards for its leaders and holds them accountable when those standards are not met.”
Lewis took command of the ship in 2024. After being recalled, he was temporarily assigned to Naval Surface Group Southeast. Captain Kevin Hoffman will serve as acting commanding officer of the USS Mason.
The USS Mason, based in Mayport, Florida, is currently attached to the US 2nd Fleet and is participating in exercises Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) carrier strike group George H.W. Bush. This training is a key certification step prior to possible operational deployment.
According to the Navy, the change in command does not affect the ship’s mission or operational schedule.
Operational context
USS Mason is an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, specialized in anti-aircraft defense, anti-submarine warfare and surface warfare. As part of aircraft carrier strike groups, the ship plays a strategic role in deterrence, forward presence and rapid response missions.
Instances of “loss of confidence” dismissals are relatively common in the U.S. Armed Forces and typically involve issues of leadership, organizational climate, operational performance, or administrative conduct.
Sources: news.usni.org | navy.mil. The content was prepared with the help of AI and verified by the editorial team.
