Commanding Officer of USS San Juan Relieved

The commanding officer of Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS San Juan (SSN 751) was relieved of duty June 4 by the commander of Submarine Development Squadron 12 at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn.

Cmdr. Joseph Biondi was relieved of command by Capt. Vernon Parks due to a loss of confidence in his ability to serve effectively as commanding officer.

Biondi’s relief was related to shortfalls in professional performance, leading to leadership’s loss of confidence in his ability to serve in a position of command authority.

The Navy holds those in positions of command to very high standards and holds them accountable when those standards are not met.

Biondi, who assumed command April 27, 2012, has been administratively reassigned to the staff of Commander, Submarine Group 2.

Cmdr. Sam Geiger, deputy commander at Submarine Squadron 4, has assumed command of San Juan until a permanent replacement is named. Geiger completed a three-year tour as commanding officer of USS Toledo (SSN 769) May 16.

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Press Release, June 05, 2014; Image: Wikimedia