Yokosuka, Japan – The commanding officer of the Japan-based destroyer Howard was relieved of duty on Tuesday, marking the second leadership change for the ship in less than six months.
Cmdr. Cameron Dennis, who took command of the warship in September, was removed from his position due to a “loss of confidence in his ability to perform his duties,” according to a statement from the Navy. The Navy did not disclose any further details regarding the reasons for Dennis’ dismissal.
Following his removal, Dennis will be reassigned to the 7th Fleet staff, with Capt. Dave Huljack, the deputy commodore of Destroyer Squadron 15, assuming command as the ship’s temporary leader until a permanent replacement is found.
The Navy emphasized that the change in leadership will not impact the ship’s mission or schedule. This comes after the previous commanding officer, Cmdr. Kenji Igawa, was also relieved of his duty in August due to a similar loss of confidence.
Igawa’s removal was preceded by an incident in which the Howard suffered a “soft grounding” as it arrived in Bali for a scheduled port visit. The ship, based in Yokosuka, Japan, has now faced two changes in leadership within a short span of time.
Dennis, who previously served as the executive officer of the destroyer Higgins, brings a wealth of experience to the role. His career also includes tours as the materiel and combat systems officer of Destroyer Squadron 7, chief engineer aboard the mine countermeasures ship Gladiator, and as the navigator and damage control assistant with destroyer Pinckney, according to the Navy.