Submarine Squadron Eleven Capt. Paul Jaenichen has relieved Cmdr. Michael Portland of his duties as the commander of the USS Hampton (SSN 767) because of a “loss of confidence in his ability to command,” Lt. Alli Myrick of Submarine Squadron Eleven’s Public Affairs Office said in a press statement.
The USS Hampton is currently docked at Naval Base Point Loma and has resumed normal in-port operations, according to Navy officials.
The disciplinary action against Portland is the result of a weeks-long review by Navy officials.
Cmdr. William Houston is scheduled to take command of the USS Hampton later this month, Myrick said.
The change in command comes after a routine review of procedures aboard the USS Hampton found that operations fell short of expected Navy standards.
As a result, four officers ” including the commanding officer and engineer officer ” and seven enlisted crew received administrative disciplinary action and were temporarily reassigned within Submarine Squadron Eleven, Myrick said.
Command officials have endorsed and forwarded a full command investigation to the commander of Submarine Force Pacific Fleet for a final endorsement. The process takes about two to three weeks, according to Myrick.
Details of the investigation have not been released.
Submarine Squadron Eleven officials plan to conduct a detailed evaluation in the coming weeks to “determine the Hampton’s readiness to operate at sea,” according to Myrick.