The U.S. Navy fired the commanding officer of the Japan-based Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam after the ship ran aground on January 31 in waters near Yokosuka, Japan.
Capt. Joseph Carrigan was relieved on March 1 by Rear Adm. Charles Williams, commander, Task Force 70, following an investigation into the incident.
While the investigation is still under review, the navy said sufficient facts emerged during the investigation to warrant the relief of the commanding officer.
Capt. Jonathan Duffy, deputy commodore, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, will assume temporary duties as commanding officer until a permanent relief is assigned. Carrigan has been temporarily re assigned to Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet in Yokosuka, Japan.
The grounding incident left Antietam with damaged propellers and with no ability to independently maneuver as the ship’s hydraulic oil leaked into the sea.
The navy did not provide details on the extent and cost of damages saying only that repairs, which will likely require dry-docking, are expected to start in the coming weeks in Japan.