Saturday, November 3, 2012

Another Navy CO fired

USS VANDEGRIFT change of command 7/27/2012
Commander, Destroyer Squadron FIFTEEN fired the CO of USS VANDEGRIFT  (FFG48) on Friday, November 2nd.  The CO had been in command only since July 2012.

Captain John L. Schultz relieved Commander Joseph F. Darlak due to loss of confidence in his ability to command after demonstrating poor leadership and failure to ensure the proper conduct of his wardroom officers during a September port visit in Vladivostok, Russia.

The executive officer, Lieutenant Commander Ivan A. Jimenez, the chief engineer and the operations officer were also fired for poor judgment and personal conduct involving use of alcohol and not adhering to established liberty policies.

Captain H. Thomas Workman, Deputy Commander, Destroyer Squadron TWENTY THREEE has assumed command of VANDEGRIFT and will serve as the commanding officer until the ship completes its current seven-month deployment. Vandegrift is expected to return to San Diego later this month.

Purpose of USS VANDEGRIFT's visit to Russia:


While in port, Vandegrift Sailors will conduct professional exchanges with Russian Naval Officers and Sailors as well as participate in host city tours and community service events with Ostryakova Children’s Hospital and Pos’yetskaya Street de Motion Dance Center.

"We are pleased to have the opportunity to visit Vladivostok and experience all the city has to offer," said Commander Joseph R. Darlak, commanding officer of Vandegrift, “Our Sailors are especially looking forward to visiting a different land and making new friends.”

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Joe and Ivan were a great team. Did everything together...oops. Sometimes, the XO needs to be the leaders.

Anonymous said...

COMPACFLT and FFC reaction? Another PFOR message to all CO/XO/CMCs. They always seem to be BEHIND the action, yet they tell the CO/XO/CMCs to get in front of it.

Using the Navy's "less than 1% of the COs are being fired" argument, less than 1% of our Sailors are getting in trouble so there is NO PROBLEM.