The U.S. Navy has fired the Commanding Officer of a guided-missile destroyer over “a loss of confidence,” the service announced Thursday.
Cmdr. Jeffrey Servello was relieved from the USS Paul Ignatius less than seven months after he assumed command of the warship due to “a loss of confidence in his ability to command,” according to a statement from Naval Surface Force Atlantic.
The statement did not offer further details as to why Servello was removed, but the Navy Times reported that it came after a command investigation.
Servello also told the outlet he was looking forward to “beginning a new chapter in civilian life.”
“While deeply disappointed by this decision, I understand that the buck stops with me as the commanding officer, regardless of the circumstance or extenuating details,” Servello told Navy Times.
Servello, who served as the commanding officer of Paul Ignatius since June 2021, will be temporarily reassigned to the staff of Naval Surface Squadron 14.
Cmdr. Eric Meyers will temporarily serve as commanding officer of the ship until a permanent replacement is found.