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3w ago

Navy Removes USS Santa Barbara Commander During 5th Fleet Deployment

The LCS's dual-crew model enables an immediate handover to preserve the ship's schedule.

Image
The littoral combat ship USS Santa Barbara. Image courtesy of US Navy.

Overview

  • Task Force 55 commander Capt. Kelley Jones relieved Cmdr. Adam Ochs on Sept. 11, citing a loss of confidence in his ability to command.
  • Blue Crew executive officer Cmdr. Jeff Steiner has assumed temporary command, with Gold Crew commanding officer Cmdr. Linzy Lewis slated to take command on Sept. 12.
  • The Navy says the action does not affect USS Santa Barbara’s mission or schedule during its ongoing U.S. 5th Fleet deployment.
  • Ochs has been temporarily reassigned to Commander, Naval Surface Group Southwest; he had led the ship since Nov. 22, 2023.
  • A service official told USNI News the relief was not due to poor conduct, and the Navy has not publicly provided further details.