15th Navy Commanding Officer Fired

Commander Martin Arriola at sea.

Earlier today Rear Admiral David Thomas fired Commander Martin Arriola following the USS PORTER's collision with a Japanese oil tanker earlier this month just outside the Strait of Hormuz.  This is not a surprise as the  Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic was awaiting results of the official investigation of the collision to be concluded.  Rear Admiral Thomas reassigned Commander Arriola to the staff of Naval Surface Force Atlantic because of his loss of confidence in Commander Arriola's ability to command.

Commander Dave Richardson is the new commanding officer of USS PORTER.