Navy Fires Commander, Other Leaders of Damaged Submarine

A separate safety investigation is still proceeding into the Oct. 2 grounding of USS Connecticut.

CAITLIN M. KENNEY | NOVEMBER 4, 2021 12:00 PM ET

NAVY ASIA-PACIFIC

Updated 4:11 p.m. 

The captain and two other leaders of the USS Connecticut were relieved for “loss of confidence” after the submarine hit an underwater mountain in the South China Sea, the Navy announced Thursday.

A command investigation into the Oct. 2 incident found that the Seawolf-class nuclear attack submarine grounded on an uncharted seamount while operating in international waters, U.S. 7th Fleet said Monday.

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7th Fleet commander Vice Adm. Karl Thomas reviewed the investigation and on Thursday relieved Cmdr. Cameron Aljilani, the commanding officer; Lt. Cmdr. Patrick Cashin, the executive officer; and Master Chief Sonar Technician Cory Rodgers, Chief of the Boat, 7th Fleet said in a Thursday statement. 

“Thomas determined sound judgement, prudent decision-making and adherence to required procedures in navigation planning, watch team execution and risk management could have prevented the incident,” the statement said.

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Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, is leading the safety investigation into the incident, a Navy spokeswoman said Thursday.