The commander of an East Coast destroyer squadron that recently returned from an extended deployment aboard USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) was removed from his position on Saturday.
Capt. William “Mac” Harkin was removed from command of Norfolk, Va., based Destroyer Squadron 2, by the commander of Carrier Strike Group 12 Rear Adm. Erick Eslich, “due to a loss of confidence in Capt. Harkin’s ability to perform his duties,” reads a Navy statement.
“Capt. James Von St. Paul will assume the duties as commodore of Destroyer Squadron 2. Harkin will be temporarily reassigned to the staff of Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic. There is no impact to the command’s mission due to the relief,”
A Naval Surface Force Atlantic spokesperson would not provide USNI News additional details when asked. A Navy official told USNI News the relief was due to conduct reasons, not performance, but did not give additional details.
A career surface warfare officer, Harkin took command of DESRON 2 on Feb. 17, 2023, after serving as the deputy commodore for the squadron, according to the service. He led the squadron during the extended Ford Carrier Strike Group deployment in the Mediterranean Sea.
The following is the complete Feb. 10, 2024 statement from the Navy.
The Commander of Carrier Strike Group 12, Rear Adm. Erik Eslich, relieved Capt. William Harkin, commodore of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 2, on February 10, 2024, due to a loss of confidence in Capt. Harkin’s ability to perform his duties.
Capt. James Von St. Paul will assume the duties as commodore of Destroyer Squadron 2. Harkin will be temporarily reassigned to the staff of Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic. There is no impact to the command’s mission due to the relief.
Navy leaders are held to high standards of personal and professional conduct, both on and off duty. They are expected to uphold the highest standards of responsibility, reliability, and leadership, and the Navy holds them accountable.
