Apr 29, 2021
HONOLULU (AP) — The Navy has relieved the commander of a Pearl Harbor-based submarine, citing leadership and command climate problems.
Cmdr. Joseph Lautenslager was removed from his job leading the USS Charlotte on Tuesday, the U.S. Pacific Fleet submarine force said in a statement.
Capt. Michael Majewski, the commander of Submarine Squadron 7, lost confidence in Lautenslager’s ability to serve after an investigation revealed the leadership and command climate problems.
The squadron’s deputy commander, Cmdr. Christopher Hedrick, has assumed leadership of the Charlotte until a permanent replacement is named.
Earlier this month, the Navy removed the commander of a Pearl Harbor-based surface ship, the guided missile destroyer USS Hopper, after losing confidence in her leadership.