The Navy has relieved Cmdr. Joseph Fauth of his duties as commanding officer of the San Diego-based Coastal Riverine Squadron 3, citing "a loss of confidence in his ability to command" as the reason.
According to a Navy news release, Rear Adm. Frank Morneau, head of the Navy Expeditionary Command Command, made the decision to remove Fauth on Aug. 12...
...following an investigation into several personnel issues and actions by the Commanding Officer of CRS 3.
The decision was based on concerns for the safety and welfare of the Sailors at the command.
What's next for Fauth? Well, according to Stars and Stripes:
Following a relief, a former commander is generally reassigned to a headquarters position. Unless court-martialed — which is rare for a relieved officer — the former commander later either files retirement papers, or faces a “show-cause” board of officers who determine whether the former commander should remain in the service.
The Navy Times attempted to get Fauth's side of the story, but when reached by email, Fauth declined to comment.
The Navy's Coastal Riverine Squadrons provide "tailored, highly mobile point defense" to both coastal and riverine waters:
They also conduct port/harbor defense, maritime infrastructure protection, high value unit/unit protection and other forms of security in addition to intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance patrols and Visit, Board, Search and Seizure missions.
