Saturday, February 11, 2012

CO USS COWPENS IS #1 FOR 2012

Rear Admiral John Haley, Commander GEORGE WASHINGTON STRIKE GROUP, fired Captain Robert Marin as commanding officer of the Yokosuka, Japan-based cruiser USS COWPENS on Friday "while Navy officials conduct an investigation into inappropriate personal behavior."

Captain Marin relieved Captain Holly Ann Graf as commanding officer of USS COWPENS on 13 January 2010 following her relief for cause as the result of NJP where she was found to have violated Articles 93 and 133 of the UCMJ.  Captain Graf was the first woman to command an Arleigh Burke destroyer and a cruiser in the Navy.

CAPT Robert Marin
United States Navy
COWPENS' Eleventh Commanding Officer

Captain Rob Marin was born in Los Angeles, California. He started his Naval career in June 1983 as a Constructionman Recruit. After being selected for an ROTC Scholarship, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1987 and was commissioned as an Ensign.

His sea duty assignments include tours of duty in USS JOSEPH STRAUSS (DDG-16) as the First Lieutenant, USS JOHN YOUNG (DD-973) as the Combat Information Center Officer, USS CROMMELIN (FFG-37) as the Combat Systems Officer, Commander Destroyer Squadron ONE as the Combat Systems Officer, Executive Officer, USS VANDEGRIFT (FFG-48) and Commanding Officer, USS GARY (FFG-51).

His shore assignments include Flag Lieutenant for Commander, Naval Surface Reserve Force; Appropriations Congressional Liaison in Washington DC; student at the Naval Postgraduate School and the Naval War College.

In November 2006 Captain Marin returned to Washington to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Surface Warfare Directorate (OPNAV N86) and assumed duties as the Financial Branch Head.

Captain Marin has been awarded the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with 1 gold star, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with 3 gold stars, and Navy Achievement Medal with 1 gold star.

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Marin’s relief is the second CO firing this year. Both of this year’s reliefs were for alleged inappropriate behavior. The first was Capt. Jeffrey Riedel, the program manager for littoral combat ships at Naval Sea Systems Command, who was relieved Jan. 26.

Mike Lambert said...

Thanks. I note Captain Riedel's firing earlier this year. I don't put a PM in the same category as a CO. And, the inappropriate behaviors were quite different.

Anonymous said...

Captain,
As a former COWPENS Sailor who survived every moment of CAPT Graf's reign, Captain Marin was exactly what the Mighty Moo needed: leadership and vision. He set the bar high and inspired us to achieve excellence. I am utterly shocked and sad to see this respected officer fall from prominence.

Anonymous said...

Fully agree with the previous- I don't think you'll hear any different from anyone who had the privilege of serving with him. The COWPENS alum community is shocked.

Anonymous said...

Stay tuned to the details of the reasons he was fired. You may all change your tune of support and admiration.

Anonymous said...

I am a current COWPENS Sailor and have to agree. Captain Marin was very good for the Cow and her crew.

Anonymous said...

Shocking is the best word to describe this news. Those of us who know him and the caliber of his character and commitment to the Navy and his country, know there must be more to this story.

Anonymous said...

Perfect example of a career ruined by stupid personal decisions. While I am not going to say what his actual violation was as it is an ongoing investigation. I can tell you having served with him, that this rose colored picture that people are painting of him is not the case. He made a lot of enemies because of how he treated people and his general arrogance that is seen quite often with Commanding Officers in the surface navy. The people I feel for the most are his family who are no doubt going through a rough time.

Anonymous said...

Having served in Marin's wardroom onboard the Cowpens I am shocked. He was an excellent leader who displayed wisdom and judgement while inspiring us to do right by our country and subordinates. I know we all have failings and are not perfect but he seemed to be different.

Anonymous said...

I partied with Rob when he was XO in Yoko. He is a fun guy, but watch your back. Very surprised the weasel slipped up.

Anonymous said...

I partied with him, what are you ten?

And to the: I know but I'm "not going to say" commentatry, give me a break, you are signed on as anonymous.

When I read "enemies", I think poor performers who had their feelings hurt when someone (Marin) told them to get motivated and start contributing.

This is a superior Naval Officer, who may or may not have made an error in judgement. But if he did, his body of work speaks for itself, 4 years in Command of two vessles which were reeling when he arrived, and were stellar when he departed, even if the last exit was not under good circumstances.

Anonymous said...

Superior? Have you actually served with the man?

Anonymous said...

only for 2 1/2 years. sounds like someone was passed over for something he felt entitled to!

Anonymous said...

Has there been any word as to why he got in trouble?

Anonymous said...

Love to see this guy trying to find a job now as he is on his way out of the Navy. HA!