The commanding officer (CO) of USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) was relieved of his duties on Oct. 2 due to a loss of confidence in his ability to command.
Capt. Daniel Dusek was relieved by Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group Seven, Rear Adm. Hugh Wetherald.
The relief stems from an ongoing Department of Justice investigation. After careful consideration, Wetherald determined the investigation negatively affected Dusek’s leadership ability and was a distraction to the command mission.
Capt. Murray Tynch III, currently assigned as executive officer (XO) for Bonhomme Richard, has assumed duties as commanding officer. Dusek has been temporarily assigned to Expeditionary Strike Group Seven. Dusek reported to Bonhomme Richard as executive officer in April 2012 as part of the XO/CO Fleet Up program and assumed command June 28, 2012.
Forward deployed to Sasebo, Japan, Bonhomme Richard is the flagship of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group. The ship is currently inport Sasebo after recently completing underway operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.
[mappress] Press Release, October 02, 2013; Image: US Navy