Japan-based Destroyer CO Removed from Command

February 6, 2024 11:44 AM - Updated: February 6, 2024 8:20 PM
USS Howard (DDG-83) conducts small boat operations off the Japanese coast on Jan. 24, 2023. US Navy Photo

The commander of a guided-missile destroyer based in Japan was removed from command, the Navy announced on Tuesday.

Cmdr. Cameron Dennis was removed from command of USS Howard (DDG-83) on Tuesday by Capt. Justin Harts, the commander of Destroyer Squadron 15, according to a statement from the Navy.

Cmdr. Cameron Dennis

“Dennis will be reassigned to the U.S. 7th Fleet staff. There is no impact to the ship’s mission or schedule,” reads the statement.

The service did not elaborate on a reason for the relief beyond “loss of confidence” in Dennis’ ability to command the ship. A Navy official told USNI News the relief was due to conduct reasons and was not performance-related. The relief followed a substantiated command investigation into “unprofessional” comments, a Navy official confirmed to USNI News.

A message left with a spokesperson at U.S. 7th Fleet was not immediately returned.

Dennis took command of Howard in September. He is a career surface sailor who enlisted in 1993 and commissioned in 2006, according to his biography.

In August, the former commander of Howard, Cmdr. Kenji Igawa, was removed from command after the destroyer suffered a soft grounding heading into Bali, Indonesia for a port visit.

The following is the complete statement from U.S. 7th Fleet.

USS Howard Commanding Officer Relieved

Commodore of Destroyer Squadron 15 Capt. Justin Harts relieved the commanding officer of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Howard (DDG 83), Cmdr. Cameron Dennis, February 6, 2024 due to a loss of confidence in his ability to perform his duties. Capt. Dave Huljack will be assigned as commanding officer until a permanent relief is identified.

Dennis will be reassigned to the U.S. 7th Fleet Staff. There is no impact to the ship’s mission or schedule.

Sam LaGrone

Sam LaGrone

Sam LaGrone is the editor of USNI News. He has covered legislation, acquisition and operations for the Sea Services since 2009 and spent time underway with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and the Canadian Navy.
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