The commander of Expeditionary Strike Group 2 has been removed from command due to a loss of confidence by the commander of U.S. 2nd Fleet, service officials told USNI News.
“Rear Adm. Erik Ross, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group Two (ESG-2), was relieved of his duties by Vice Adm. Andrew Lewis, commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet (C2F), due to a loss of confidence in his ability to command,” reads a statement from the command.
Ross was involved in an alleged off-duty incident that prompted Lewis’ decision and an investigation by the command that is now ongoing, according to a service spokesperson.
“Capt. Darren Nelson, ESG-2 Chief of Staff, has assumed responsibilities of commander until a permanent relief is assigned. Ross has been temporarily reassigned to C2F, pending the completion of an investigation,” reads the statement.
Ross is a career surface officer with commands that included amphibious ships USS Whidbey Island (LSD-41) from 2006 to 2007 and USS Bataan (LHD-5) from 2011 to 2013.
He took command of the Joint Expeditionary Base–Little Creek, Va.-based command in July. Previous to the role, Ross served President of the Board of Inspection and Survey from June 2017 to May 2019.
The following is the Sept. 27, 2019 statement from 2nd Fleet.
Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group Two Relieved of Duties
NORFOLK, Va. — On September 27, 2019, Rear Adm. Erik Ross, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group Two (ESG-2), was relieved of his duties by Vice Adm. Andrew Lewis, commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet (C2F), due to a loss of confidence in his ability to command.
Capt. Darren Nelson, ESG-2 Chief of Staff, has assumed responsibilities of commander until a permanent relief is assigned. Ross has been temporarily reassigned to C2F, pending the completion of an investigation.
Ross previously served as President, Board of Inspection and Survey from June 2017 to May 2019.
